Annual Angel Wings Walk/Run is set for October 12

 The 13th annual Angel Wings Network Walk/Run fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Registrants can choose to run the 5k course or walk the 1-mile course, with the start and finish lines located at Weiser’s City Park. 

 In addition to the walk/run, there will be craft vendors, food trucks, info booths, a survivor tent, contest prizes, Zumba warm up, a pet parade and more.

 Early Bird registration is currently underway and will end Friday, Sept. 20. All those who sign up early will receive a free t-shirt compliments of the LOR Foundation.

 The Foundation, which supports projects that have an immediate impact on the community, has funded the t-shirts for the 2024 event. 

 “We’ve got 125 shirts for those who sign up by the 20th,” said Angel Wings Network Executive Director Mabel Dobbs. “Shirts may be for purchase after that for $15.”

 Early registrants are asked to add their particular t-shirt size on their registration form.

 Pre-registration is between Sept. 20 and Oct. 11. The cost is $25 for both Early Bird and pre-registration. The cost is $35 on the day of the event, with kids under 12 and pets free.

 New this year, thanks to an anonymous donor, is a $100 cash drawing. Those that register before Sept. 20 are eligible to win.

 “We will give them a ticket and just have them put their phone number on it and go over and drop them into the jug,” Dobbs said. “Then, we’ll pull one out and give them a new one-hundred-dollar bill.”

 The Walk/Run is one of two major fundraising events Angel Wings hosts every year. The other is the annual Spring Online Auction and Idaho Gives event. Last year, the auction went live the last week of April and wrapped up in early May. The Idaho gives portion also wrapped up in early May.

 Angel Wings relies on donations to continue its support of cancer patients and their families. Most recently, administrators received a $30,000 donation from Flock Cancer Idaho, a Boise-based organization that raises funds for cancer support groups through its annual Flock Cancer Street Stroll fundraiser in May.

What does Angel Wings do?

 Angel Wings Network, Inc. supports cancer patients and families who have been touched with cancer in rural communities, serving an area within a 70-mile radius of Weiser, which includes approximately 17 rural communities.

 The organization assists in many ways, offering reliable transportation for patients and families via volunteer drivers who are trained, compassionate, and who have logged tens of thousands of miles.

 Some patients have their own transportation, but simply don’t have the funds to cover the cost of travel to treatments and appointments. In that case, Angel Wings offers gas cards to help offset expenses. But gas cards and transportation are not the only services available. They also help with food and meals, offering restaurant gift cards, certificates, emergency grocery store gift cards, and can arrange for prepared meals or organize a meal train when needed.

 In 2023, Angel Wings gave out $18,200 in restaurant and emergency grocery cards, and $27,000 in gas cards, with volunteer drivers logging 30,000 miles.

 There is also the Cancer Care Pals (CCP) program, consisting of volunteers who conduct wellness check phone calls to make sure patients’ needs are met and to provide emotional support.

 Every new patient receives a comfort bag that contains gift items and a prayer blanket to comfort the patient on their cancer journey.

 Volunteer Ralph Rowley has completed 444 fleece blankets as of Sept. 1 and is rolling toward 500 before year’s end.

 For more information, visit http://www.angelwingsnetwork.net or call (208) 414-9464.