Founded by close friends Craig Smith and Derek Partsch after Smith received a heart transplant in 2015, Second Chance Fundraising is a Johnstown-based nonprofit organization that raises awareness for organ donation.
The organization’s 7th Annual Second Chance 5K Run/Walk is set for August 12 at Berwind Wayside Festival Park in St. Michael. 1889 Foundation is supporting the event by providing free registration to runners 17 and under.
“Since 1889 began supporting youth runners in our event, youth participation has skyrocketed,” Craig Smith notes.
1889 Foundation has also provided support to Second Chance to help expand organ, tissue, and cornea donation awareness initiatives in western Pennsylvania. In particular, the donation will support “CORE Camps,” which are field trips for Cambria and Somerset County high school students to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education headquarters near Pittsburgh. The students will tour the facility and hear presentations from living donors, organ recipients, and medical professionals.
“Our goal is to help young people understand why organ donation is critical, and to talk about it,” Smith says. “When you turn 16 and get a driver’s license you have the opportunity to register as an organ donor. We hope to inspire young people to have a conversation about organ donation with their loved ones and to make the decision to register.”
The entry fee for the Second Chance 5K Run/Walk is $25, and free for 17 and under. All runners receive a runners bag. Door prizes include $500 worth of Visa gift cards.
