Giving Back

Giving back is part of the joy of running the Gorgeous Series, and is our responsibility as a member of the community. And, giving back is personally important to us. Traci’s first career was in affordable housing and homelessness, and Kerry volunteers hundreds of hours every year teaching kids and grown-ups how to climb and love the outdoors. 

We're so proud to share that to date, with the support of Gorgeous Runners, the Gorgeous Series has donated $56,723 to our community's fantastic nonprofits and schools. The Gorgeous Series makes donations to nonprofits in the communities where we run, does an annual winter clothing and gear drive, contributes raffle prizes to schools, and we love to share the story of these amazing groups with our runners and social media followers!

The Gorgeous Series partners with fantastic local nonprofits and schools to volunteer and raise money at the relays. Let us know if there are other groups we should meet! Current partners include - 

• JOIN is dedicated to supporting the efforts of homeless individuals and families to move off the streets and into permanent housing. 
• The Mazamas work to inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains through climbing, hiking, advocacy and more.
• Friends of the Columbia Gorge is the only nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to ensuring that the beautiful and wild Columbia Gorge remains a place apart, an unspoiled treasure for generations to come.
• American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life teams, working to support those living with cancer and survivors in their communities, and to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
• Sherwood Youth Track Club provides track and field opportunities for athletes in 1st-8th grades.
• Yamhill Carlton Together Cares is creating opportunities to empower and strengthen their community.
• The South County Community Food Bank provides nutritious food to individuals and families that are food insecure in South Clatsop County.
• Oregon Shores works to protect the natural landscapes, ecosystems and communities of the region from the crest of the coastal mountains to the edge of the continental shelf, and to preserve public access to our public beaches. 
• Tillamook High's outstanding Cross Country team!

Giving back to runners – We’re runners. We like runners! Four of the relays started as a free preview before they were paid races. Every year we host over a dozen free runs with raffles and goodies in different parts of town so lots of people can participate. Our free pub run is on the last Wednesday of every month. In addition, free destination and partner runs are on other week nights or weekends, and often preview the Gorgeous courses. Find our upcoming free runs on our Facebook Events page and @imagorgeousrunner highlights. ​

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