Inaugural Rescuer 5k hits Dalton streets Nov. 4
For 15 years the Rich Dalessandro race took over Dalton as runners and walkers filled the streets for their annual event.
This year a 5k and 2-mile run/walk will once again happen on Nov. 4 but will support Rescuer, a nonprofit that works to relieve the burden of medical bills by assisting those in need. As a faith-based organization, Rescuer strives to show God's love by being a blessing in the community.
“This race fell into our laps,” said Cory Nussbaum, president of the board for Rescuer Inc. and the race director. “The Rich Dalessandro race raised funds to help families that had faced leukemia. Rescuer's mission falls right in line with the medical bill needs. In addition, the Dalessandro race was an incredibly popular race in the area because of the course and how well it was run by the Dalessandro family. We were also fortunate to have the blessing of the Dalessandro family.”
The 9 a.m. route is USATF Certified and will start and end at the elementary and middle school, passing through an allotment and other streets in Dalton.
Finishing medals will be part of the registration cost of $35 by Oct. 31, as well as an event shirt. Awards also will be given for age groups and gender in the following ranges: 12 and under, 13-20, 20-35, 36-50, and 50 plus.
And for those who can't attend in person, a $45 virtual 5k option has been added, which will include a shirt and finishing medal that will be mailed after the race.
Rescuer was started by Nussbaum because he wanted a way to help others.
“The start in 2020 was tough," he said. "Getting a 501(c)(3) status can be a long ordeal, but we trusted that God's call was all that we needed. I have been blessed by an amazing wife, Kimberly, who has been supportive from the first day that I told her about how God was speaking to me about how I can make a difference in people's lives.
"This was a scary journey. What do I know about medical bills — I'm a history teacher? The answer — trust and obey. In addition, God helped me to create an amazing team that is the board of Rescuer — Kimberly Nussbaum, Mark Hershberger, Mike McFarren, Dawn Wagner and Cole Rice — that have spoken such wisdom as the nonprofit was created and adjusted to meet the needs of people."
According to its website, Rescuer depends on private and corporate donations in order to fulfill its mission of helping people out of the financial burden of medical bills. There is no requirement, and recipients are not expected to repay any portion of the help Rescuer is able to provide.
Another aspect of Rescuer are connectors — one-on-one mentors who get to know the people Rescuer helps. If recipients are open to having more help besides paying their bills, a connector will help them in other areas of their lives including working through grief and other issues they're facing.
“Although we are looking to raise funds for Rescuer by holding this event, it is just as important for us that we raise awareness about Rescuer and how we are available to help people," Nussbaum said. "We strive to help more people each year."
Follow Rescuer on Facebook @rescuerohio.Visit rescuer.us to learn more or to apply for assistance.