How it all began... Treat Yourself to Wellness 5k

In April of 2010 while watching The Biggest Loser, I had a revelation that there are many individuals and families in our community including my own that could benefit from a Wellness event that they could participate together in.  Something low key that does not intimidate the first timer from participating.  Just having gone through a health scare with my husband, it made me realize that we need to take care of ourselves and our families.

So in May of 2010 while visiting with a co-worker we both had this same idea that we should be promoting a 5K for the area.  We decided to approach the Bank President and Ownership to see if they felt this would be something worthwhile.  They approved us to move forward and on October 16^th at 5:30am we began setting up the parking lot to host the first ever Treat Yourself to Wellness 5K Run, Walk, or Roll.  The intent of this event is to get families moving whether it’s running, walking or rolling.  The point is that they are moving!  We have had participants run, run and walk combination, roll on roller blades, we have had kids on bikes, moms & dads pushing toddlers in strollers or pulling them in wagons.   

Standing in front of 100 plus individuals with them all waiting for you to count down is indescribable.  Words cannot express how we both felt at that moment.  All the effort and hard work we had planned for was about to pay off at that particular moment.  Although the dollars did not seem that large we were able to donate $1,500 to donate back into our community through organizations the employees of FNBRF had elected to support.

Little did we realize that that same day we would have participants asking what the date would be for the next 5k – all we could do at that point was simply smile and said we will let them know.  We didn’t have any idea if the Bank would continue to support this event.  Surprise surprise surprise…the bank thought it was a success too so Treat Yourself to Wellness became an ANNUAL Event! 

Every year we begin planning for the following year almost immediately.  We have a great committee of hard working bank employees that are just as passionate about creating an event that supports the Wellness in our community not only for health, but mind, body and of course financial health.  Every year we ask if there are first timers and every year we continue to achieve the original goal of creating an event that does not intimidate the beginners as it does not matter if you can’t run the entire race, it just matters that you are standing with several hundred participants and you are moving your body.  Encouraging others to join in this movement.

With great pride I can say that to date we have raised over $17,900 to donate back into our community!  We could not have done this without all the support of the employees, volunteers and local businesses that sponsor this event to help raise money and awareness for various organizations within our community with the same wellness focus. 

Please join us as we prepare for the 6^th Annual Treat Yourself to Wellness 5K Run, Walk or Roll on Saturday, September 19^th  All proceeds this year will go to support Have A Heart in River Falls.  They have a goal to build a fitness center that is adaptable to individuals with special needs.  This center will encourage these individuals to work on health in the comfort of space specifically designed for them. 

We encourage you to register today.  The race begins at 7:30am and most everyone is through the course within an hour.  We have a free kids race to promote health in our children all the while we are making this fun for them.  Every kid receives a participation medal.  All proceeds this year will support Have A Heart in River Falls.

Stay Connected,
Melissa Godden
VP Commercial Loans & 5K committee co-chair