Habitat sponsoring race

Carrying a full backpack to multiple classes a day and taking a test may be manual labor for some of the IU population, but IU Habitat for Humanity members have a different definition.\nAs part of the Magnificent 7 Road Race Series in Indiana, the IU chapter of Habitat for Humanity will hold a 5K run/walk race at noon Saturday in Lower Cascades Park. Simona Stoica, co-coordinator of the 5K, said she hopes the event will raise about $2,000 so the group may continue to build houses in underprivileged areas.\n"Our expected outcome for the event has exceeded last year's already," Stoica said. "This year we have at least double the number of participants. We already have about 250 participants registered and expect many more the day of the race. Our goal for this year's race was to have 300 participants, so this is an incredible turnout."\nThe fee for participants in the event is between $10 and $15, depending on when they register. Stoica said the group will be making extra efforts during the race to raise additional revenue.\n"This year, we will be selling raffle tickets with prizes such as football and basketball tickets, gift certificates and more," Stoica said. "Also, we have had many generous sponsors who have been willing to give money and/or donations to our race, which will help us keep our overhead low so that more of the money raised can be counted as profit."\nJunior Leigh Cohen, who will take over as coordinator of the event next year, said the committee has done as much as possible to advertise the event.\n"I think the race is going to be very successful because we have been doing so many things to get the word out about the event," Cohen said. "We have been putting up fliers, contacting fraternities and sororities and getting the word out even to neighboring high schools. We are trying to get people from all different areas of the community."\nAmong the organizations sponsoring the event are IU's Residence Halls Association, IU Student Association, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Bloomington Bagel Company and Pepsi. Eight residence halls are contributing as well. The large number of sponsors has allowed Habitat for Humanity to add a few new features to the race to entice participants and fans.\n"Another aspect of the race that we are fortunate enough to offer this year is free massages before and after the race," Stoica said. "We will also be selling old race T-shirts from prior years for people to purchase."\nAll the proceeds from the event will go back to Habitat for Humanity and will be put toward the group's annual trip to Florida to build houses. Building a house costs the group exactly $50,000, Stoica said. She also said the group has been able to build a house every four years.\n"Our last house was built in 2002, so we are working hard on our campaign to raise money in order to make that a reality in the future," Stoica said. "This past spring break, we also sent out two groups of about 10 to 13 people each to Naples and Port Charolette, Fla."\nSt organizing the event upon beginning the 2003 fall semester.\n"We laid down the groundwork and did some of the initial planning, but most of the work has actually taken place this semester," Stoica said. "We have spent countless hours on this event. It would be impossible to quantify just how much time and energy have been invested."\nStudents interested in participating in the event may register online or the day of the race. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. More information can be found at www.iub.edu/~habitat.\n-- Contact staff writer Matt Mattucci at mmattucc@indiana.edu.