What is Laurel Run?
Laurel Run is an annual event that raises money to support individuals with disabling conditions in Western New York State. Day One of Laurel Run consists of a relay run, from Jamestown to Dunkirk, featuring students from area school districts; Day Two takes place in Silver Creek and consists of an 8-kilometer run, a 5-kilometer fitness walk, a 1-kilometer fun walk, children’s runs, and our signature event, Laurel’s Lap, in which anyone with a disability is invited to take a lap around the track.
When is Laurel Run?
The Silver Creek events take place the third Saturday of July. The relay run takes place the day before.
Who is Laurel?
Laurel Hotelling is the oldest daughter of Elaine and Wayne Hotelling. Laurel’s parents started Laurel Run in 1997 to raise public awareness about what people with disabilities can achieve if given a chance. Laurel, who has Down syndrome, was born in 1963, and at that time it was common for parents to place disabled children in institutions. Instead, the Hotellings chose to raise Laurel themselves and to give her the same opportunities as any other child. Today Laurel is a happy adult who has a job at The Resource Center’s Mary Andrews Work Center in Dunkirk, NY.
How are proceeds from Laurel Run used?
Proceeds from Laurel Run are directed to TRC Foundation, Inc. TRC Foundation then awards money to The Resource Center to enhance employment and work training opportunities for adults with disabilities, like Laurel. Laurel Run proceeds also are used for disability awareness and prevention initiatives.
Is it hard to set up a Laurel Run web page?
No – it only takes a few minutes, and we’ll help you through the process. You can include a personal message about why you are raising money to support people with disabilities - perhaps you have a family member or a friend who has a disability, or maybe you just want to help people with disabilities have the chance to work.
If I create my own Laurel Run web page, how much money would I have to raise?
You can set whatever target amount you like. Each time you receive a donation, a gauge will automatically adjust your fund-raising total and indicate how much money you need to raise to reach your goal. And you can reset your target fund-raising goal anytime you like.
Can my family and friends create their own Laurel Run web pages?
Yes. People who receive your web page will have the ability to create their own web pages, which they then can send to their family and friends.
How can I learn more information about Laurel Run?
Visit www.laurel-run.org