Standing (left to right):
Cam Anderson, Rice Institute for Counseling and Education
Kathleen Sawyer, Rice Outreach & Community Relations (OCR)
Jean Raatz, Rice Health Foundation
Krista Laumer, Rice Rehab Center
Krista Dombrovski, Rice Health Information
Candice Beckler, Lakeland Broadcasting

Seated (left to right):
Kellie Prentice, Rice Cardiac Rehab
Jackie Hinderks, Rice Revenue and Reimbursement
Nikki Hjelden, Rice Rehab Center
Roxanne Lorenz, Kandiyohi County Public Health

Not pictured:
Mari Damhof, Willmar Regional Cancer Center
Dan Hubbard, Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series
Sandra Schlagel, Event Chair, Rice OCR
Lynn Stier, Rice Rehab Center

Committee Members make it all happen behind the scenes before race day.

Why does Rice Hospital organize this race?

The Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run is an exciting event that offers a fun, community event for all ages on a beautiful 4-mile course in Willmar. People can choose to walk or run. We're able to organize and sponsor this race with the help of many community volunteers and many community sponsors who generously give of their time, services, and donations.

The proceeds of the race go back into the community to support health-related initiatives. This year, proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for patients who need cardiac rehabilitation services, but can't afford it.

How many volunteers are needed?

The more volunteers the better!

Volunteers make this event successful. We have used between 150 - 185 volunteers every year.

Volunteers are needed in many roles. Examples include: registration, distributing packets, cutting and serving fruit, handing out water, directing runners, setting up barricades, calling out times at the mile markers, assuring safety, and more! Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Please let us know if you'd like to volunteer for this year's race - we'd love to have you! Call Sandra Schlagel at 320.231.8943.

How many hours of planning go into this event?

Too many to count! The event is the primary focus of the Rice Outreach and Community Relations Department for two to three months before the event.

As with any large event, there are many details to handle. We have a marvelous group of volunteers on the Foot Lake 4 Planning Committe who spend many months and hours helping to make the Walk/Run a top-notch, memorable event for everyone. Because of the enthusiasm of this group, it makes organizing the Foot Lake 4 a lot easier.

What do you still need help with for this year's event?

We are working hard lining up our roster of volunteers, and can more help. Volunteers will be rewarded by experiencing first-hand the energy of the day.

Volunteers receive a race T-shirt, and a ticket to the Firemen's Pancake Breakfast, which is fun in itself.

Most of our volunteers come back year after year because we know how to have fun and because we are so inspired by the walkers and runners!

Rice Memorial Hospital hosts the annual Foot Lake Four Walk / Run. >> www.ricehospital.com