Press Releases

Country music radio legend lends celebrity support to help end child violence, abuse and neglect

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 23, 2015) – Legendary country music radio host Coyote Calhoun has agreed to serve as honorary captain of the Family & Children’s Place “Run for Families” Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon teams, helping members get ready to “run for a reason” April 25.

Calhoun, who led WAMZ to the top of the country radio charts, is a longtime runner but won’t be running in the mini or the marathon this year, “or any coming year, as I have a brand new knee!” he says. But, “This issue is important to me and to this community.

“If I can’t run myself to help Family & Children’s Place help protect area kids from violence and abuse, then I can inspire others to run, cheer them on and celebrate their success,” said Calhoun.

Family & Children’s Place mini and marathon team members, sponsored by Green Square Capital, have two goals – to finish their respective race, but also to fundraise to help the agency continue to provide services that stop and prevent the trauma of child violence and abuse and help survivors and their families heal.

Team members each pledge to raise at least $250, either individually or by inviting family, friends, coworkers and others to become sponsors, contributing to and supporting them. Benefits for those who raise the $250 include:

• Personalized race jerseys
• Training packets
• Free group training sessions
• Pre-race pasty party
• Complimentary post-race massage
• Team happy hour the week following the race

“This is my first ever half marathon,” said team member Nick McRae, a local technology company owner.  “But this one really matters to me. Every mile in this race is a milestone – another child whose life has been helped or even saved. I can’t think of a better reason to run than that.”

As honorary captain, Calhoun will inspire team members with messages and pep talks as they train and get ready to race. He will host the agency pre-race pasta party April 24, at the F&CP office at 525 Zane St., and be at the mini and marathon to cheer on and inspire runners April 25, but he said he suspects the cause and kids are inspiration enough.

“Every child should have the chance to grow up free from fear in a stable, happy and healthy family,” said Calhoun. “Funds raised by these team members will ensure that families have a safe have to go for help and healing.”

Pam Darnall, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Place, is excited about the agency’s selection as a benefiting partner for this year’s races, and by having Calhoun lead the team.

“Coyote Calhoun is a country music and Louisville icon. When he jumps into an event or cause, he does it with his whole heart. We are honored to have him as part of the Family & Children’s Place team,” said Darnall, who has run a number of minis and marathons and is running with the team this year.

“For me, running a mini or a marathon is an empowering feat,” she said. “So is helping end the abuse and violence for Louisville area children. This way, I do both!”

For more information about how to join the F&CP mini and marathon team, please visit http://www.famchildpplace.org/marathon.

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Family & Children’s Place protects and heals Kentuckiana children and families. The organization has worked in Louisville for more than 130 years and today serves approximately 5,000 children and families annually. For more information about Family and Children’s Place, email info@famchildplace.org, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.