Find your strength as a superhero

SANDPOINT — Everyone taking part in Saturday's Find Your Strength Family Fun Run is a superhero.

The event, now in its third year features both a 1K and a 5K version that starts and finishes at Sandpoint City Beach. The 5K run begins at 10 a.m. and is followed by the 1K run at 11 a.m.

The festivities conclude with a family fun after-party on the lawn of Trinity at City Beach from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Find Your Strength Family Fun Run is designed to be a fun and engaging event for participants of all ages, BGH officials said. The event features a superhero theme and families can come dressed as their favorite superhero or design a costume for their own unique superhero.

It is, BGH officials said, the perfect outing for everyone.

BGH officials said the after-party will feature activities and entertainment suitable for all family members, making it a perfect outing for everyone.

"We are excited to host our third annual Find Your Strength Family Fun Run," Grant Simmons, president of the Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. "This event not only promotes health and wellness within our community but also supports our Hometown Health Grants, which are crucial for maintaining and improving the quality of care at Bonner General Hospital."

The event is meant — and designed for — the whole family with a focus on fun, fitness and celebration.

The funds raised during our community run will go towards our Hometown Health Grants initiative. This program identifies needs within our hospital as introduced by department managers. Every department is offered a chance to apply for one or multiple projects if needed. In 2023, we had a record year with over $50,000 being awarded amongst 10 applicants. Crucial equipment such as vital monitors and state-of-the-art microscopes to better serve the patients at Bonner General Hospital are examples of grants awarded. These grants ensure that the Sandpoint hospital can continue to provide high-quality healthcare services to our community. 

The Hometown Health program targets needs at BGH as identified by department managers. All departments have an opportunity to apply for one or multiple projects. In 2023, the hospital awarded over $50,000 to 10 applicants. Among the equipment funded through the grant program are vital monitors and a state-of-the-art microscope. 

Also funded was a poison prevention program, which taught elementary students ways to identify common poisons and how to avoid them; and a surgical service electronic patient track board, which will keep families updated on patients' status.

"These grants ensure that our hospital can continue to provide high-quality healthcare services to our community," Kate McAlister, BGH Foundation coordinator, said.

The annual family fun run is made possible by event sponsors, who include Donna Hutter, Zipley, Selle Valley Construction, Sand Creek Custom Wear, Vive, and NW Auto Body. That support is vital to the run's success and the ongoing support of the hospital's Hometown Health Grants, McAlister said.

BGH officials also thanked in-kind sponsors, noting their support in providing essential services and products and helping make the event possible. Those sponsors include Big Sky Broadcasting, Kochava, Outdoor Experience, Trinity, and US Foods.

"We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering support," Simmons said. "Their contributions ensure that we can continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community through the Hometown Health Grants program." 

The community is invited to join the fun Saturday, McAlister said in a press release.

"Join us for a day of fun, fitness, and community spirit," McAlister said. "Mark your calendars for Sept. 14, 2024, and be a part of this fantastic event that benefits our local healthcare services."

For information or to register, go online to bonnergeneral.org/find-your-strength.

    A quartet of runners wait for the start of the 2023 Find Your Strength Family Fun Run's 5K race. This year's event is taking part on Saturday, Sept. 14.
  

    Two participants in the 2023 Find Your Strength Family Fun Run's 1K race. This year's event is taking part on Saturday, Sept. 14.