Storms Hold off for Annual Childrens Center Classic

Impending storms threatened to derail The Children's Center's 5^th annual race this past weekend. But, in true Mississippi fashion, a last-minute shift in the forecast brought about a surprise – this time of the pleasant kind.

“For the week leading up to the race, we were all watching that forecast closely, and with crossed fingers to say the least. The weather keeps us on our toes down here, and this was certainly no exception,” said Sarah Case-Price, director at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at USM.

The Children's Center Classic 10K and 5K went off without a hitch, and judging by the smiles on the faces of racers, attendees, vendors, and staff alike, there were many Mississippians thankful that those storms held off.

“We absolutely love this day of the year,” said Case-Price. “We love that this race provides our community with an opportunity to come together, race, cheer, eat, and have fun, all the while playing a part in something so much bigger than this one day. Every person, every business, every organization that gets involved in this event each year – they make it possible for us to continue this work that is so needed in Southern Mississippi.”

The Children's Center, a non-profit based on USM's Hattiesburg and Gulfport campuses, has been providing cost-free therapies for infants and children with complex disabilities and their families since 1974. Their services range from speech language pathology to occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy. And the need for these services, as Case-Price mentioned, is great in our area.

“This fundraiser is our biggest of the year, and its success is essential to The Center,” said Case-Price. “We simply cannot put into words the level of gratitude we feel for each and every person who chose to get involved, and to our incredibly generous sponsors who wow us year after year with their willingness to take part. We could not do any of this without them. We leave this event every year humbled by the generosity and support of this community, and this year is no exception.”