Five business students had a big idea to raise money for a good cause—a Knoxville-area shelter that cares for low-income seniors—while also doing something fun.
So they organized the Barefoot Benefit 5K, which invited barefoot runners and walkers alike to participate in the 3.1-mile race. The third annual event, which took place last month in Maryville, drew about 150 participants and raised roughly $5,000 for Samaritan Place.
“This whole experience has been such a blessing to me,” said Heather Lin, a UT junior and member of the Barefoot Benefit team. “I can firmly say that being a part of the team has taught me more than all of the classes I have taken combined. It has meant more to me than just a learning experience. I truly feel like I have grown to become a responsible young adult throughout the planning process.”
The students organized the benefit as part of a service-learning course taught by business professor Ernie Cadotte.
Martin Leamon, a UT junior and Barefoot Benefit team member, said he wanted the money raised to impact as many seniors as possible at Samaritan Place.
“I have high hopes that a significant amount of public awareness was also raised for the Samaritan Place,” he said.
For more information about the Barefoot Benefit, visit the Facebook page.