Fun run helps Camp Courageous

The first Piling up for Camp Courageous 5k fun run/walk in memory of Patrick Morton is set for July 15 at Jefferson County Park.

Preregistration is open until June 29. Preregistration is $20. After June 29, registration is $25. The availability of event T-shirts is not guaranteed after June 29.

All proceeds are going to Camp Courageous, a not-for-profit donation-run camp for individuals with special needs in Monticello, which serves more than 5,000 campers annually and is run solely on donations.

For information or a registration form for the fun run/walk, contact Tammy Thomas at tthomasfpdd1@hotmail.com or Michelle Rauscher at michelle.rauscher@yahoo.com.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. July 15, and the run/walk starts at 9 a.m.

Organizers plan to make the Piling up for Camp Courageous 5k fun run/walk in memory of Patrick Morton a yearly event.

Patrick Connor Morton, the son of Gregg and Luann Morton of Fairfield, died Jan. 16, 2009. Because the 13-year-old had so greatly enjoyed attending Camp Courageous at least once a year since the age of 3, his family and friends have organized fundraising events for the camp in his name.

The third annual Piling Up Patrick?s Power Wagon Party was held last year in July 30. The event, held each year near Patrick?s July 31 birthday, is a donation drive for Camp Courageous in Monticello.

In 2009 and 2010, donations from Patrick?s friends and family were the largest non-business donations the camp received.