Four on the 4th race raises money for underserved youth

VINTON, Va. (WDBJ) – Folks across Southwest Virginia tied up their laces to race for a good cause for the 13th annual Four on the 4th race Thursday morning.

Four on the 4th is an annual fundraiser that benefits underserved youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia. It currently serves students ages 5-18 at 10 locations. Organizers said the 4-mile run on the 4th of July attracts over 500 runners each year and raises over $30,000 to support summer programs including field trips, academic support and mentoring, and summer meals for kids.

This is the third year that the Boys & Girls Clubs of SWVA and the Town of Vinton partnered for the race which started and finished at the Vinton War Memorial.

“It helps us keep our doors open. So, all the funds raised helps us underwrite all the costs of summer camp because we want to make sure that summer camp is free to the families so we can scholarship families and so these families aren’t paying for summer camps we know summer camps can be expensive. It’s a great place for kids to be learning, having memorable experiences so that’s really the heart of all this,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of SWVA Chief Development Officer, Christina Ballard.

“There’s a club right here in Vinton that serves the families of the town of Vinton. So, it was a great opportunity to support a great organization and give families an opportunity to get active on the fourth and kick off the holiday celebrations in the morning,” said Town of Vinton Director Cultural Placemaking & Events, Mandy Adkins.

Attendees also enjoyed a DJ playing music, food, face painting and more.

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