Shamrock 5K Run/Walk and Green Success!

On Saturday, March 9th, California State University, San Bernardino's (CSUSB) very own Kappa Delta of the Zeta chapter sorority hosted the 3rd annual Shamrock 5k Run/Walk. In an effort to help raise awareness and funds for the prevention of child abuse as outset by Childhelp Merv Griffin Village, Kappa Delta invited the entire community to participate in the St. Patrick's Day spirited event. Over 100 people from all over the Inland Empire enthusiastically ran/walked the CSUSB campus as active supporters for the prevention of child abuse. Kappa Delta has hosted the Shamrock 5k for the past two years, imminently becoming a Kappa Delta tradition at CSUSB. Kappa Delta's decision to support the Childhelp Merv Griffin Village was made as a result of the continuous ongoing outbreaks of child abuse within communities, said Kappa Delta sorority President Ashley Gonzales. Kappa Delta finds it crucial for the community to be aware of the high intensity caliber of child abuse and its destructive repercussions on children physically and mentally. Childhelp Merv Griffin Village, a leading national non-profit organization founded in 1959, focuses on prevention, intervention and treatment. They strive to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of the neglected, severely abused, and at-risk children within communities. The village provides education, psychotherapy, collaborative arts, physical therapy, recreational sports, and housing to approximately 84 children ranging anywhere from the ages of 6-14. Each child at "the village" is assessed by mental health professionals for an individualized treatment plan that will help in recuperating their mind, body, and spirit as well as provide them the opportunity to grow. The cornerstone of Childhelp Merv Griffin Village is the community, as the organization relies heavily on the support of surrounding communities to help these innocent, abused children acknowledge their great worth. Kappa Delta did not only aim for a community-wide approach but also a national one. "All proceeds go to this cause," said member of Kappa Delta event committee, Jeannette Martinez. "80% will go towards the Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont and 20% of the proceeds will go towards Prevent Child Abuse America." The Shamrock 5k was able to successfully raise $20,000 last year, incrementing this year's goal to $25,000. Mariana Rosada, a 5k participant, came all the way from Palm Springs with friends to support her Kappa Delta daughter and the prevention of child abuse. "It's a great event," Rosada said. "Great way to support such a great cause." At the event, Kappa Delta simultaneously supported Girl Scouts of USA. There were girl scouts from Troop 276 present at the Shamrock 5k selling Girl Scout cookies. Additionally, there were games, activities, music, and face painting available for children. There were snacks such as bananas and granola bars provided to the 5K participants throughout the course and vendors such as Juice It Up! were also present. A silent auction took place and donations were also accepted at the event. The Shamrock 5k at CSUSB will return next year in March.