Adults, teens, children, and even dogs raced around Eagan Central Park during Eagan Kick-Start Rotary’s fourth annual Eagan 5K & Kids Run on June 28. Over 100 registered participants raised $20,000 to support local service projects and community organizations.Eagan Kick-Start Rotary President Derek Schilling kicked off the festivities and afterwards congratulated the men’s and women’s race winners, Derek Wypyszynski and Hanna Olson, and the Kids Run winners.
Beneficiaries of the event that were represented on race day included The Open Door, Kids ‘N Kinship, and Guild Services.
“It was great to see so many people come out for the annual Eagan 5K & Kids Run; we are excited about all the local causes and organizations that the Kick-Start Rotary Foundation will be able to support with the money raised,” said outgoing club president Derek Schilling. “We truly appreciate all who supported this year's event and, of course, the many volunteers who helped make it a success!”
Participants were treated to food and beverages from Pink Cow Ice Cream and Costco.
Eagan Kick-Start Rotary extended special thanks to Anderson Race Management, photographer Ken Cheung, music by The Hacklewrappers, volunteers from Eagan Ambassadors, The Home Depot, and Eagan High School Interact Club, and race sponsors at all levels including Platinum Sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Denise Sjoberg Real Estate - Keller Williams Select Realty, and Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Founding President Mike Ferber.
The Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club commemorated ten years of serving the community at its May 1 meeting. Founding president Mike Ferber shared memorable moments and events that have punctuated that decade, including the initial concept of a morning Rotary Club in Eagan, establishing the Eagan Kick-Start Rotary charitable foundation, the club's membership growth, adapting to virtual meetings during COVID, and community events such as the Eagan 5k & Kids Run. The club's current and previous presidents each received a token of appreciation for their service.