More than 600 join Hafa Adai 5K Run

The 6th Annual Hafa Adai 5K Fun Run hosted by Pacific Islands Club-Saipan drew over 600 individuals last Saturday and raised funds for Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation.

According to Dennis Tababa, director of PIC Saipan’s Sports, Entertainment, and Activity department, despite the postponement of the event back in August, this year’s run was a successful one.

“With over 600 participants on this 6th installment of the HA5K, PIC thanks the community for their continued support and dedication,” Tababa said.

He added that this year’s proceeds, which have yet to be finalized by the event’s executive committee, will help Empty Vessel Ministry in their continued outreach programs around the island.

“I thank the sponsors once more for their continued support in making the 6th Annual HA5K a successful one,” Tababa said.

Sponsors of the event include Kensington Hotel Saipan, E-Land Group of Companies, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, Gatorade, Monster, Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, Bridge Capital, Pepsi, Koanoa Resort Saipan, Pacific Trading Company, LTD., and Five Star Wholesale Foods.

According to Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation founding director, Rose Smith, every year PIC chooses a different organization to benefit from the HA5K and they are honored, humbled, and excited to be the beneficiary this year.

“We are honored, humbled, and excited that PIC chose us this year. PIC has been a great supporter of Empty Vessel for many years. Whenever we need any help, PIC has been able to reach out to us,” she said.

Through the help of the 5K fun run proceeds, Smith said the foundation will be able to continue helping typhoon victims and families that are in need.

“For the families in need, we provide food, clothing, and basic items that a family will need—school supplies for children from families who really need help. There are single mothers out there with a lot of children and they cannot afford supplies so we are there to help out,” she said.

Smith encourages families who are in need and are still struggling following the onslaught of Yutu back in 2018 to come to the foundation as their doors are always open and volunteers are ready and willing to help in any way they can.

Smith also rallies the community to continue supporting the HA5K, as it’s through events like these that the foundation is able to help people in need.

“We ask the community to continue to support this event annually because it’s for a good cause and organizations depend on individuals to support us and businesses to come along side. So for PIC to continue to organize events like these, we need the support of the community,” she said.