Front Row: Brynne Trible, Kristen McAuliffe, Sheryl Wolfe, Leslie Wise, Karen David, Susan Dove Middle Row: Donna Bukevicz, Brenda Drenrenberger, Carol Schumacher, Lynne Richmond Bell, Su Webb, Pam Burch, Catherine Garretson Back Row: Krista Coyner, Elaine Harris, Eileen Smith, Faye Walker, Carl Lauer , Dulaney Lauer and Thomas Photo Credit: Sarah CrandallThe Blue Ridge Orthopedic and Spine Center’s waiting room transformed into a welcoming reception room for Blue Ridge Orthopedic Foundation’s (BROF) annual "Cocktail Reception and Check Presentation" held July 17. During the reception, 21 non-profit organizations received financial donations raised by BROF.
Established in 2012, the BROF supports local non-profit organizations by raising money through their annual Bodies in Motion 5k and 10k races. All race proceeds are dispersed among greater Piedmont charities providing medical relief, food, shelter and children’s services to community members. The foundation has donated $82,450 over the past four years.
On May 17, 2015, 375 runners participated in the 2015 Bodies in Motion races, with Fox 5 News Anchor Will Thomas leading the pack. The races brought in $28,250 for local non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Fauquier, Girls on the Run Piedmont, Fauquier Free Clinic, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center and Haymarket Food Pantry.
The Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center in Haymarket helps children with special needs identify and reach goals through individual and group horseback riding lessons. The center also works directly with Walter Reed’s Wounded Warrior program and offers therapeutic riding lessons to soldiers admitted to the hospital’s traumatic brain injury and amputee units.
When Vice President Rob Knecht accepted the check on behalf of Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, he said, “I get paid with smiles and the success of students overcoming challenges.”
The Haymarket Food Pantry also received a donation from the proceeds. Board Member Eileen Smith raised awareness of the food pantry’s most immediate need- children’s lunches. BROF’s donation will assist the food pantry in meeting the high demand for lunches, ensuring children who typically eat reduced lunches at school are not hungry over the summer months.
The Fauquier Free Clinic received a contribution of $10,000 to assist with medical check-ups and medicine expenses. Last year the clinic aided 2,200 Fauquier County residents who did not have access to health insurance.
The 2015 races were sponsored by 40 local and national organizations, an increase of 13 sponsors from last year. Sponsors included Suntrust, One America, ReMax, and Anchor Images. Anchor Images, a local photography and videography team, documented the 2015 race at no charge.
BROF’s Executive Director Leslie Wise not only praised the good work these leaders do day in and day out, she encouraged them to raise awareness of their causes and how they make a difference in the community.
In return, non-profit leaders were extremely grateful for the support and financial contributions they received.
After all checks had been presented, BROF’s CEO Jeff Hollis mentioned the months of hard work leading up to the race. He applauded Wise’s efforts and her passion for giving back to the community.
“This is absolutely wonderful, this is what it’s all about. And it’s all thanks to Leslie,” Hollis said.
Wise said how incredibly rewarding her job is, but many would say it’s the community that benefits the most. It’s a win-win all around.
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