Students at UT’s Haslam College of Business will host the fifth annual Barefoot Benefit on Sunday, October 26.
The festival and fun run/walk is part of a service-learning course and proceeds will benefit Samaritan Place, an emergency shelter for the elderly.
The festival begins at 1:00 p.m. along the river on Cherokee Boulevard in Sequoyah Hills. The 5K will follow at 2:00 p.m. The festival will include music, food, door prizes, games, and activities for the entire family. Door prize gifts include tickets to Dollywood, two nights’ lodging in the Smoky Mountains, and gift cards to restaurants.
The benefit is a run or walk of either 5K or one mile in length. Shoes are optional, but participants are encouraged to participate in bare feet in keeping with the spirit of the theme.
Eight UT undergraduates are organizing the event, which offers invaluable real-world experience, said Ernie Cadotte, professor of the service-learning course that is organizing the benefit.
“The students break ties with the normal classroom setting and instead are challenged to create a hands-on learning experience,” he said. Their mission is to bring the community together, both in support of Samaritan Place and to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and family.”
Pilot Flying J and Hot 104.5 are sponsoring the event.
Sara Hall, current CEO of the Barefoot Benefit executive team, said students involved in planning the benefit are excited to display their hard work.
“Barefoot Benefit is an opportunity for UT students to apply business concepts in an experience outside the classroom,” said Hall. “The hard work and dedication of the Barefoot team will impact not only our lives, but also the seniors at Samaritan Place and the families and runners that participate. We are excited to provide an entertaining race day that people of all ages will never forget.”
Register for the race online.
To learn more about the event, visit the Barefoot Benefit website.
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C O N T A C T:
Sara Hall (865-216-0170, thebarefootbenefit@yahoo.com)