Two area corporations challenge families to run/walk and make a difference for those in need 

Run/Walk supports Gaudenzia and Woodside Family Center

Contact: Marie LeVan Lick

717-635-2835 or (cell) 717-599-2959 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

For Immediate Release

HARRISBURG, PA (April 16, 2008)--It's all about family and a commitment to helping others, and Dads can take the lead.

K&W Engineers and Consultants and TecPort Partners, L.P. have joined forces to help those coping with  life's challenges.   They are hosting the 2^nd Annual K&W/TecPort 5K Run/Walk to benefit clients of Gaudenzia and the Woodside Family Center.  The joint mission is to help those struggling with addictions and transition back to leading productive lives. 

The event will occur on Saturday, June 14, 2008.  Registration is 7:45 am-8:45 a.m. at 470 Friendship Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. The run/walk begins at 9:00 am. The event includes lots of good exercise, fun, prizes, snacks and beverages.  Because the event is the Saturday before Father's Day, fathers are encouraged to take an important step of demonstrating to their children the importance of giving time and resources to help those in need.  The K&W/TecPort organizers are asking and encouraging fathers to sign up with their families for this event early.  The motto: Spend some time getting to know your Dad or Father figure at this family event and also help others to achieve their goals enabling them to spend time with theirs.  

Sponsorships are respectfully requested, for more information please call Andrea Foreman at Crossgates, Inc. (717) 561-1200, ext 610.  Runners and walkers can register at www.kandwengineers.com or call Tara Fisher at 717/635-2835 for more information.     
 

CORPORATE RUN/WALK  

The run/walk hosts chose Gaudenzia and the Woodside Family Center, neighboring agencies in TecPort, because of their missions to maintain positive family structures.  Gaudenzia is the leading non-profit provider of drug and alcohol treatment in the Commonwealth.  "Gaudenzia is the largest non-profit provider of substance abuse treatment in the Commonwealth.  Since 1968, it is estimated that Gaudenzia has helped more than 100,000 individuals. Funds from the 5K Run/Walk will help individuals to receive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.  Last year, 900,000 Pennsylvanians were in need of substance abuse treatment, that's 1 in 4 families.  Thank you to K&W Engineers, Crossgates, TecPort Partners L.P. for their dedication to treatment and their support of our mission.  There are thousands of families in the community that need our help." says Julie E. Girsch, Gaudenzia Community Affairs Manager," says Julie E. Girsch, Gaudenzia Community Affairs Manager 

The Woodside Family Center is a female work release program with a mission to serve and support individuals involved with the criminal justice system, primarily women and children, to prevent recidivism and promote productive crime-free lives.  "The Woodside Family Center is once again very excited to be a part of the 2^nd Annual K&W TecPort 5K race.  Last year several agency Board Members, staff and Woodside Family Center residents participated and we all thoroughly enjoyed it!  In addition, thanks again for designating us as one of the recipients of the net proceeds from this wonderful" event which will assist us in helping women and children with their program needs ", says Valerie Simmons Woodside Family Center Administrator & PROGRAM CEO.

Last year's event commemorated the grand opening of Port View Drive which opened up an additional 28 acres for commercial real estate development in Phase III of TecPort Business Center and provided more access to the entire park. TecPort's vision for the TecPort Business Center was to assist in the revitalization of a business area which suffered an economic loss, create 4,000 jobs, improve the region's technology infrastructure, provide additional tax revenues, and encourage the continued business and residential renaissance of the community.

Diane E. Voda, Vice President of Crossgates, Inc. summarizes the local and regional park development success benefits realized as, "The development of the TecPort Business Center Phase III is well underway with the first building of the Tecport Business Campus office condominium project expected to be completed and the development of "The Journey", a Paul Mitchell School, anticipated to begin construction this summer.  Construction is also projected to begin on new hotel and restaurant facilities in the park early this fall.  Through the cooperative efforts of TecPort, the community, township and county officials, and regional business leaders, TecPort's vision has become reality and the area continues to grow.  With over 3,200 jobs now located within TecPort and more to come, new residential projects have also been completed which support the many new commercial establishments opening.  It's a ripple effect all started with a "vision" and people working together to achieve a common goal."    

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