Running for a cause

Staff reports
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The start of the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.
The start of the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.

About 100 people took part in a 5K fundraiser this month that was sponsored by a Gaston County group seeking to create a community for special needs adults.

Kathryn Wilson stretches with her daughter, eight-year-old Sarah Wilson, prior to the start of the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.
Kathryn Wilson stretches with her daughter, eight-year-old Sarah Wilson, prior to the start of the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.

Special Needs Community Initiative raised about $2,500 with its "Raise the Roof" 5K at Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia on March 4.

The group has been around in Gaston County since 2017, but was limited for three years due to the pandemic, says group President Josette Duncan.

Runners reflect off the lake during the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.
Runners reflect off the lake during the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.

The group has a vision to raise money to create a co-housing community of several homes that would house young adults with special needs. The community would form relationships with their neighbors so that as a group they would look out for one another.

Amber Lange runs along side one of her daughters, 6-year-old Alexa Lange, during the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.
Amber Lange runs along side one of her daughters, 6-year-old Alexa Lange, during the Raise the Roof 5K early Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at Rankin Lake Park.

Such a community would quell the fears many adults have who help care for children with special needs and worry what will happen to them when they are no longer able to give that care, Duncan said. Such a community would provide "peace of mind," for families in that situation, she said.

The Special Needs Community Initiative also has a dance and silent auction each October

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County's Special Needs Community Initiative looks to help.