Metro Atlanta Women’s Auxiliary Kettle Krush 5K Breaks Records

By: Angela Clawson

With the completion of The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta's Women's Auxiliary 9th annual Kettle Krush 5K run/walk in May, the organization's net proceeds over the six consecutive years it has conducted the event now exceeds $500,000.

The event's purpose is to help The Salvation Army "krush" poverty, homelessness, and human trafficking while supporting youth enrichment and veterans in metro Atlanta. Funds raised support Salvation Army programs, services, and initiatives in the metro area.

"We strive annually to increase our participation and dollars raised as well as awareness of all The Salvation Army does to support our community in metro Atlanta," said Dawn Menear, SAWA's race chair. "This year we succeeded in reaching all our goals with our highest number of participants ever (628 paid registrants) and record number of teams (13) with 10 or more participants as well as raising a record amount in net proceeds. We pride ourselves also on exposing others to The Salvation Army and all that it does in our metro Atlanta area to serve those in need."

"Since taking over this event six years ago from the Metro Atlanta Area Command (MAAC), SAWA has been able to provide The Army with financial support for many initiatives, programs, and services, including replacing bunk beds at The Salvation Army's Red Shield Shelter to help homeless veterans, providing funding to fight hunger through the Annual Can-a-thon, and helping the Boys and Girls Clubs with youth enrichment through summer day camp," said Cindy Theiler, who chaired the first race for SAWA. "When Covid hit, we knew The Salvation Army needed funds more than ever, so we did a Race in Place live broadcast on Facebook for two years to continue our annual fundraising. The community really supported our efforts those years and continues to do so."

"The Metro Atlanta Area Command is so grateful to the women's auxiliary for coordinating this great event that each year helps provide critical financial support to many of our programs and services," said Major Stacie McWilliams, co-commander of The Salvation Army's MAAC and the auxiliary's liaison with the Army. "A huge thank you to Dawn Menear for leading this event, her committee, and all the SAWA members and others who volunteered, financially supported, or assisted with this event in some capacity. These women who lead this effort are all amazing!"

Mt. Bethel Church and the Home Depot Foundation were the event's title sponsors again this year for the event that was held at the Marietta Square in Marietta, Georgia on May 20.