5K Charity Race Returns To Morris County After Pandemic Pause

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The COVID-19 pandemic may have put the Rose House's fundraising 5K on hold for several years, but the charity event is returning to town next month.

Rose House, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people with developmental disabilities, has announced the return of its "Run for the Rose House" 5K fundraiser event on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 9:30 a.m. at County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.

The funds raised by Run for the Rose House will be used to purchase a new van to transport adults with special needs to medical appointments, day programs, and other necessities.

According to Josh Speert, Rose House's Director of Marketing and Development, fundraising is critical because the organization does not receive transportation assistance from the state of New Jersey or Medicaid.

“We’ve held this event every year from 2015 to 2019 until the COVID-19 pandemic placed a hurdle on our course,” said Rose House CEO Tom Mitchell. “I’m proud to announce that this event will be back and better than ever, but community support is essential to help us regain momentum for our residents in need.”

CCM is a smoke-free and pet-free campus located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. The race will take place on a paved, USA Track and Field-certified course in parking lots 7 and 8. Families are welcome, as the event is open to runners of all ages.

The timing results will be available immediately following the event, officials said. Trophies will be given to the top males and females and medals will be awarded to the winners of each age group.

Light refreshments and goodie bags will be provided, and the first 100 registrants will receive t-shirts. Registration is $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. Cash and checks will be accepted instead of credit cards at the event.

To register and watch a video about Rose House’s Van Project, visit www.therosehouse.org and hit the Run for the Rose House banner.

Rose House, a nonprofit organization based in Morris Plains, builds forever homes that fulfill the dreams of people with special needs throughout Morris County.

The organization provides tailored, self-directed programs to meet the needs of all individuals. The vision of the nonprofit is for a future inclusive community where everyone has a loving home.