The 6th Annual Middletown Township “Country Bump’kin Challenge” 5K Run/Walk will bring out families, athletes, friends and neighbors to enjoy the fresh air and early morning sunshine of a typical fall day as they walk or run the country roads of Middletown. The event is held to raise money for Middletown Township’s Parks and Recreation Programs and in coordination with HCI as a way to raise much-needed funds for two special programs that help youth in their development of leadership skills and personal attributes.

The HCI Matt Coburn Youth Leadership Fund

Established by his family in 2005 as a way to celebrate Matt’s commitment and belief in the value of leadership, this fund has allowed HCI to award four Penncrest students with scholarships to attend various leadership conferences. The HCI Board will be awarding yearly scholarships so that a student may attend the Search Institute annual conference. Applications for 2009 will be made available through the high school in January.

HCI Partners In Excellence (P.I.E.™) Mentoring Program

Begun in 2007, this unique program brings adult mentors together with 9 th grade students in the Rose Tree Media School District. A roaring success, the P.I.E. Mentoring Program has in place eight students who are building special bonds with adults who will follow them through their high school years and beyond. The second wave of mentors and students are in preparation now for 2008 and the exciting relationships awaiting them all. HCI is very proud of this program, especially for the partnerships with the school district and the Rocky Run YMCA. To accompany the mentoring program is a financial piece, which will allow all students, upon graduation, to receive scholarships for their post secondary education.

How can you help out?

It is so easy. There are sponsorship race forms that students and adults participating in the 5K Run/Walk can fill out and bring with them on the day of the race and those dollars will go to support the Matt Coburn Youth Leadership Fund. Another way to help is to stop by the HCI tables to buy a freshly baked pie, and all those proceeds will go to the P.I.E. Mentoring Program Scholarship Fund. We will have prizes for the individuals who raise the most money through sponsorships.

For information on the 5K Run/Walk please call 610-565-2700 or visit www.middletowntownship.org to register. For more information on HCI, please call 610-891-6286 or visit our website at www.hci-rtm.org