We received the following press release from the Franciscan Life Process Center.
Lowell, Michigan, Sept. 9, 2024 – The Franciscan Life Process Center will host the 10th annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting its music therapy program and land restoration efforts Saturday, Oct. 5.
The all-ages and all-fitness-levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through its rural Lowell campus at 11650 Downes St. NE. The Franciscan sisters live on and manage the 230-acre farm with wooded land, open fields and valleys that welcomes the community.
As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded in deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Participants will also pass a rain garden that creates space for wetland species. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!
A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants. Walkers and runners will receive handmade bird houses, coffee and freshly baked cinnamon rolls made by the sisters to celebrate the 10th anniversary milestone.
Recommended arrival time is 8:30 a.m. for registration. A short fun run for children will be offered at 9 a.m. just before the 5K, which will start at 9:15 a.m. The event will conclude at noon. A virtual option is also available for individuals who cannot attend on Oct. 5, but still want to run or walk the route another time and support the cause.
The organization’s goal is to raise $40,000. Funds will go to support the music therapy scholarship fund, which helps cover the cost of services for families and individuals when medical insurance will not. After 10 successful years hosting the race, the Center is expanding fundraising efforts to also include restorative land projects at the Lowell campus.
“Over the years, having access to the land has contributed greatly to our music therapy sessions,” said Center Director Sandy Koteskey. “The diverse ecologies and peaceful atmosphere of our Lowell campus provides a safe space for our clients to unlock their fullest potential. Proceeds from this fun event will help ensure we can continue to provide music therapy access for all and steward the land entrusted to us.”
The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist pioneered music therapy in West Michigan in 1978, long before it was a widely recognized therapy method. Today, the Franciscan Life Process Center specializes in music therapy services at both its Lowell and Grand Rapids campuses and in various community settings with board-certified music therapists. Approximately 575 clients are served weekly, in addition to 27 community contracts.
Event registration costs $35 and will be available online until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at RunSignUp.com/TrailRun2024. Same-day registration will be offered on-site from 7:45-8:45 a.m. for $40.
Participants are encouraged to share photos from the event on social media with the hashtag #RunWithNuns and tag the Center on Facebook @FranciscanCenter and Instagram @FranciscanLifeProcessCenter.
Individuals can also make a tax-deductible donation to support the Center.
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