Race against Violence takes place Saturday

The Family Crisis Council of Rowan County will hold its second annual 5k Race Against Violence Saturday on the Catawba College campus.

The scenic race course through Salisbury attracts runners and walkers of all ages. The race begins promptly at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Yost Street and Summit Avenue, across from the stadium.

Runners and walkers will receive a shirt, a goody bag and a chance to win prizes. The top three male and female winners will receive cash prizes.

Entry fee is $25. Registration forms can be accessed online at www.FamilyCrisisCouncil.org or people can register the day of the race. Race day registration will be held at Catawba beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The Race Against Violence race is the primary fundraiser for the Family Crisis Council, which is a Rowan County United Way agency. Proceeds will be used to serve victims of rape, incest, sexual assault and domestic violence.

The race is sponsored in part by Catawba College, Rowan Regional Medical Center, the Salisbury Tutoring Academy, F&M Bank, City Electric Supply, Jeter's Deli and Cafe, Oasis Book Club, Cheerwine, FrostBites and McCoy & Hillard, CPAs, P.A. Printing of race materials was donated by Quick Copy Print Shop.

The Brick Street Tavern at 122 East Fisher St. will be donating 10 percent of its sales Saturday evening to the Family Crisis Council. The restaurant/pub opens at 5 p.m.

Jeanne J. Preisler, executive director of the Family Crisis Council, encourages the whole community to join in the fight against violence.

"Everyone has a role to play in ending violence in our community." she said. "Don't want to run or walk? Join us on race day to demonstrate support and learn more about what you can do to end sexual assault and domestic violence in our community."

In 2008, 104 people died in North Carolina due to domestic and family violence, and so far this year, 27 people have lost their lives. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and one in five women will be sexually assaulted.

To find out more about the Family Crisis Council of Rowan County, call 704-636-4718. For more information on other Rowan County United Way member agencies, log onto www.rowanunitedway. org.