Freedom Run Runs for 13 Years
This year marks the 13th annual Freedom Run organized by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. What began as a class project of the 2001 DAYL Leadership Class quickly turned into a staple event of the DAYL and the North Texas Community. As with most people, September 11, 2001 began as a normal day for members of the 2001 Leadership Class. Most were excitedly anticipating the very first class luncheon in a series of luncheons that would introduce them to city leaders, community leaders, leaders in education, and to the City of Dallas, in general. Some tuned into the television that morning, others were in the car listening to the radio, while others heard it from a friend or co-worker: the Twin Towers had collapsed. America had been attacked. That tragic day would be forever etched in their minds, as well as anyone else’s who is old enough to remember.
Needless to say, the luncheon that day was cancelled; however, that did not stop the Class from springing into action by way of organizing a class project. To date, there had been two other leadership classes who had organized a class project, and they were about to become the third. Their goals were simple but ambitious due to a short time frame: to provide support to first responders; to raise money; to bring the people of North Texas together; and to showcase some of the great community service work provided by volunteer lawyers. The first Freedom Run was held on Veterans Day, November 10, 2001, at the new American Airlines Center. Approximately 2,000 people attended. Now, almost 13 years later, little has changed with regards to the goals of the Freedom Run.
The 2013 Freedom Run 5K will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Dallas City Hall. The event is expected to have approximately 2,000 runners, walkers, and spectators who will don red, white, and blue and run (or walk) through the streets of downtown Dallas. Those who are on corporate teams or who volunteer will receive VIP treatment in the VIP tent and everyone will have the opportunity to watch live local music on the main stage. There will be activities for all ages, including a special kid’s area. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Dallas Assist the Officer Foundation (www.atodallas.org). Over $230,000 has been donated to the Assist the Officer Foundation since 2002 through proceeds of the Freedom Run.
For additional information about the Freedom Run, visit the Freedom Run website (www.freedomrun.com), find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dayl.freedomrun), or contact DAYL Executive Director Cherie Harris (cherieh@dayl.com).