ELIZABETHTOWN — A hurricane can’t keep a good thing down, even though it has tried two years in a row.

For the second time in its short two-year history, the Crazy Fun Color Run was postponed because of a hurricane. Last year, the event was scheduled for Oct. 3 and was preempted by Hurricane Joaquin. This year, Hurricane Matthew barrelled in and knocked the event off course. The new date this year is set for Saturday, and organizers are hoping for a good turnout.

“Last year our goal was $3,000, and we made over $5,000,” said Bob Mundy, president of United Way of Bladen County. “I was over the moon that we made that much profit, and we’re trying to make this year’s event even bigger than last year’s so that we can help more people.”

Proceeds from the race benefit United Way of Bladen County, which, in turn, helps local organizations like Families First of Bladen County and Bladen Crisis Assistance. Families First assists victims of domestic violence, offers licensed therapy that would otherwise be unavailable locally, and provides crisis intervention for victims of sexual assault, just to name a few of its services. When money is donated to Bladen Crisis Assistance, it may be used to purchase food for the pantry, and, for every dollar donated, five pounds of food can be purchased. Bladen Crisis also offers help to needy families by paying utility bills or providing clothing.

“Every dollar is vital,” said Vicki Pait, executive director of Families First.

The Crazy Fun 5K Color Run will take place in the Elizabethtown Industrial Park on Saturday. On-site registration and packet pick-up will begin at 7:30 a.m., and race time is 9 a.m. Registration is $20 per individual, or $15 for children ages 12 and under and will include a T-shirt. Checks and registration may be mailed to United Way of Bladen County, 401 Mercer Mill Road or P.O. Box 2636, Elizabethtown, N.C. 28337.

Registration forms can be found online by clicking here or by following a link on the race Facebook page.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com