Red Cross’ Hirsh extends thanks to runners, PIC

The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter is thankful for the overwhelming response of members of the community that joined last Saturday’s 3rd Pacific Islands Club-Saipan Hafa Adai 5K Color Run. ARC’s NMI Chapter is this year’s recipient of the annual fundraising campaign.

A total of 1,200 registered with more than 70 percent choosing to either run or walk, while others opted to just donate the registration fee. Part of the proceeds will be donated to ARC-NMI Chapter.

ARC-Marianas executive director John Hirsh said it has been eight months since Typhoon Soudelor ravaged Saipan but their work, including lead group Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts, is not yet done.

“We are thankful to all who supported this event and to all who continue to support our programs. This is just a warm-up event for the annual walkathon on April 30 where we are expecting close to 3,000 walkers participating,” said Hirsh.

“We are not yet sure of the amount they are going to donate but we are grateful for whatever amount they give since it would be a great help to our programs,” added Hirsh.

Hirsh said that PIC has been one of their generous contributors and had supported their numerous projects. “We have a long-standing partnership, PIC and the Red Cross. We have a great relationship and we are privileged that we are this year’ recipients.”

He added that in return the ARC-NMI Chapter has helped them in conducting lifeguard and safety training, and administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Agape Christian School had 90 percent of its school population—students, parents, teachers, and staff—joining the Color Run with Allan Zhao and Caleb Wang being the fastest as they finished 1-2 overall. Times were not recorded.

Multisport athlete Rintaro Miyawaki of Saipan International School was the third runner to cross the finish line.

Eli Stoilova, a Zumba fitness instructor for five years, led the warm up before the run. She said that it was also her third year in leading the Zumba workout.

Fourteen Kagman High School students, who peppered Triple J Motors general manager Randy Steele with blue-colored powder, were among the volunteers in the racecourse.

PIC gave away gym passes, gift certificates to their restaurants, waterpark passes, room stay, watches, and cash as some of their raffle prizes.