Dash for a Dog 5K at Blue Mountain High School raises funds, awareness visually impaired

Apr. 29—ORWIGSBURG — Runners, both with two legs and four, braved the rain Saturday morning to raise money for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Brianna Johanson, a Blue Mountain High School teacher and moderator of the school's LEO Club, said the 5K run, called Dash for a Dog, was started four years ago as a way of helping a student who was in need of a therapy dog.

The school's Run for Life Club, teachers and staff members organized the event that has become an annual fundraiser.

The run started at the Blue Mountain High School track, and participants had the choice of running the 5K either on the track or on the school's cross country course.

Johanson said that despite Saturday's rain, a lot more people came out than she expected, about 50.

"It's rainy and cold, but it's still a good day for a run for a good cause," she said.

Lisa Hoynoski, of Orwigsburg, a speech and language pathologist with Blue Mountain School District, walked around the track with her dog, Riley, a 14-year-old Labrador.

Hoynoski said she recently received a right hip replacement and that Riley is always with her as she walks and continues to get stronger.

Saturday morning was no different.

She said raising money for Leader Dogs for the Blind will benefit countless people.

Hoynoski said Leader Dogs for the Blind is an organization that believes everyone deserves a life of independence and mobility.

According to the organization's website, all of its services are provided free of charge to clients, and the organization is completely funded through individual donors, Lions clubs, corporate partners and foundations.

Its programs provide individuals with the tools and training to reintroduce them to a life of confidence, safety and independence.

Through programs such as Guide Dog, Orientation and Mobility and Teen Summer Camp, the mobility needs of thousands of people are met each year, the organization said.

Erica Fickes, of Newtown, and Sheldon Fickes, 12, a student in the Minersville Area School District, didn't mind the misty weather while waiting for the run to start.

Sheldon, who is a member of the Minersville cross country and track teams, skipped practice Saturday to run in the benefit.

"I'm still running, just here not there," he said.

Fickes said raising money for Leader Dogs for the Blind is a tremendous gesture and commended everyone who braved the weather to participate.

"It's a worthwhile cause," she said. "It's good to see this many people out despite the weather."

Johanson described the turnout in only one word: fabulous.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013