Woods Services in Langhorne held the third annual Run for Woods on Saturday, where more than 1,000 people came out to show support for the organization and take part in a race.
According to Cheryl Kauffman, vice president of communications and public relations at Woods Services, there were about 1,100 people who pre-registered for Saturday’s race. Last year, there were just a few people over 1,000 people who registered and attended.
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In addition to the crowds of runners, the Phillie Phanatic, Smoky the Bear and a number of elected officials were also present for the opening ceremony.
A client at woods services, John Jensen, gave a speech before the race began. He explained the accident which left him disabled in 2002 and told attendees that they were welcome to stop by the campus any time.
“This place is nothing but truly heaven sent, it really is,” Jensen said.
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“We work hard throughout the year to help people with disabilities fulfill their true potential,” said Tine Hansen-Turton, president and CEO of Woods Services.
The run goes a long way towards supporting Woods Services in terms of community involvement and monetarily as well. As of the middle of the week, about $175,000 had been raised of the $200,000 goal for the event.
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Before the race, State Rep. Frank Farry read a resolution adopted by the state house of representatives that recognized shelter workshops throughout the state.
The race continues to grow year by year. The first year the run was held, there were only about 900 participants. By getting more of the surrounding communities involved, the overall goal of getting the community on campus and involved is achieved.
“We have so much support. Langhorne Borough has been incredible in terms of closing the roads and all,” Kauffman said.
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“We want people to come visit, so this event really helps towards that by getting people on campus,” Kauffman explained.
