By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
The Blaine Billinger Celebration 5K Run and Poker Run is this Saturday in Hays.
The events are a way to honor Blaine who passed away suddenly in 2011, at the age of 29 and as a fundraiser for the Blaine Billinger Excellence in Scouting Fund which provides scholarships and sponsorships for scouts who don’t have the means to attend camps.
Ken Billinger, Blaine’s father said Thursday, Sept. 17th marks the four year anniversary of Blaine’s unexpected passing from Sudden cardiac death.
Blaine was an Eagle Scout and Billinger said the fund was created to provide scholarships at Fort Hays State University for Eagle and Life Scouts.
Billinger said the two recent scholarship winners were Michael Stainbrook from Anthony and Tucker Gillespie of Grainfield.
Besides awarding the scholarships and helping send kids who cannot afford it to camp Billinger said they are looking to expand their efforts to help more people through the excellence in scouting fund.
The first program is called Healthy Kids, it teaches kids the importance of good health and nutrition. The second program is called Vita Nuova, or new beginning. Billinger said the idea came from his work with prison ministry helping men and women who have been released from prison transition back into society.
Billinger said the goal is to “lower the recidivism rate” by helping with mentorship, resumes and find jobs opportunities.
Saturday’s 5K run will be held in conjunction with the TMP-Marian Run with the Herd.
Blaine was a graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays. This is the second year the two events have been held together and Billinger said they have a special presentation scheduled for Saturday morning.
The 5K starts at 8 a.m. on the campus at TMP-Marian. Registration is $25 and people can sign up until 7:30 a.m. Saturday HERE.
The Poker Run starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hays American Legion. There will be drawings and prizes. Registration information can be found HERE.
All of the proceeds benefit the Blaine Billinger Excellence in Scouting Fund. For more information go to BBScout.org