One Run planned Nov. 8 to benefit multiple nonprofits

Since Town Square Las Vegas opened almost seven years ago, it has hosted many charity runs and walks. That tradition continues Nov. 8 with the second annual One Run event, benefiting six charities.

“I think the first charity run we had was in February 2008, just a few months after we opened,” said Jaimesen Mapes, marketing director for Town Square Las Vegas, 6659 Las Vegas Blvd. South. “We do a lot of them. During the spring and fall, there can be as many as one a weekend.”

Mapes said the management personnel of the shopping center welcome the events because they want to be good community partners. They essentially close down the property and are usually scheduled in the morning to minimize the disruption of tenants. The events also serve to expose Town Square Las Vegas to people who might not have visited.

“We’re looking for a balance between being a strong community partner and allowing our tenants and stores to be able to be open,” Mapes said. “From Day One, we wanted to establish Town Square as a local gathering place and create something unique for Las Vegas that locals could feel was theirs. We wanted them to feel like they owned it and it was a home base.”

The shopping center has established several measured routes that charities may use for runs and walks, and management said that because of the secure environment, central location and plentiful parking, it has become a popular place for these kinds of events.

So popular, in fact, that there aren’t enough weekends in each month offering accommodating weather. One Run was created to provide a fundraising opportunity for several smaller charities and allow resources to be pooled. The result last year was several charities finding common ground and synergy.

“The whole idea is so wonderful, that you have six different charities bringing people together,” said Bonanza High School teacher Kelly Carque, who has been a volunteer organizer for the Melanoma Research Foundation for almost three years. “People walked around from group to group and asked questions. It was exciting to be a part of it.”

Carque said she began working with the nonprofit when her mother, Barbara Carque, died from skin cancer. The event draws families from three states, and getting the word out and raising money for the foundation has provided solace for her family.

“It was motivating to get involved, and it helps with the healing process,” Carque said.

The event doesn’t just help raise money for the organization, it helps raise awareness.

“People said they’ve heard of us but didn’t know what we do,” said Jeanne Frederick, director of major gifts for Olive Crest, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse, treating and educating at-risk children and preserving the family. “Once we explained, they realize that our services are very comprehensive, and they tell us they had no idea we do so much for the community.”

Olive Crest hopes to bring attention to its latest program, Project Independence, which is geared toward former foster youths and youngsters between ages 17 and 21 who are about to leave the foster system.

“Many lack independent living skills, and some have not finished their education,” Frederick said. “Some of them end up homeless or incarcerated. We strive to prepare them for independent living, teach them budgeting and how to get a job.”

The charity also arranges internships, which it hopes will translate to full-time jobs.

“The things that are important aren’t always things,” she said. “We’d love to find more businesses that would take on these young adults as interns and help them become part of the workforce.”

In addition to the Melanoma Research Foundation and Olive Crest, the 1-mile walk or run benefits Baby’s Bounty, the Josh Stevens Foundation, Safe Nest and St. Jude’s Women’s Auxiliary. The event is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. at The Green at Town Square Park, with an award ceremony scheduled at 11:45 a.m. The cost is $25 to register online, and donations will be accepted online and at the event. For more information, visit onerunlasvegas.com.

Contact East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 702-380-4532.