Saving the day with one color bomb at a time
Senior Anna Kate Jordan participates in the CASA Color Run every year, and hopes to make her mother proud. The Color Run benefits neglected and abused children, and helps make an impact in the Texarkana community.
September 27, 2017
The group gathers behind the church with their capes floating in the brisk morning wind. Small hands grasp balloons and release them as the words of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” echo and cause tears to fall down cheeks. As the countdown blares, colored powder is thrown in the air and coats the racers.
The fifth annual Amanda Fussell Woodman Memorial CASA Colorful 5K Run was held Saturday morning at Trinity Baptist Church. The event is a fundraiser for the organization that advocates for abused and neglected children and provides them with safe home environments. The Texarkana center assists over 1,000 children each year.
“This year’s color run I think was the best one yet,” senior Anna Kate Jordan said. “We raised more than our goal and had a great turn out.”
The Color Run was created in honor of Jordan’s mother, Amanda, who passed away in 2011. Amanda’s mother, Stephanie Fussell, wanted a way to continue her daughter’s dedication to CASA.
“The color run was my grandmother’s idea.” Jordan said. “She started working at CASA part time after she retired and wanted to do some good in my mom’s name. It means a lot to me to make sure this big part of my mom’s life is carried on.”
The morning featured a children’s race and then the 5K as well as many games and activities such as a bounce house and booths from local organizations. This year, the theme of the race was superhero, and it was based on the idea that abused and neglected kids need a superhero in their lives.
“I think that the Color Run is a perfect way to remember my mom,” Jordan said. “CASA was such a big part of her life, and she loved what she did, so I think it’s how she would have wanted her name to be remembered.”
This year, the event brought out a record number of participants and raised a lot of money.
“I am beyond words about our fifth color run,” Stephanie Fussell said. “I am so humbled about the beautiful day we were blessed with and all the wonderful support. My heartfelt thanks to everyone. Together we will save the children one at a time. Amanda was watching and so proud.”
