Project Live UP's major fundraiser for the year, the Citizens Assist 5K/5 Mile Run/Walk, has already brought the community together. From monetary donors to race day volunteers, residents of the Valley are pitching in to help Project Live help those battling the family disease of addiction.

            The rain-or-shine event, which will be held on Sunday, November 10 at 9 a.m. at the Macoby Run Golf Course, is on pace to attract over 100 participants who will run/walk on the cart paths thanks to the generosity of the Hersh family, owners of the course.

            Registration is available up until 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race. However, only cash or checks will be accepted on race day.

            The run/walk will also play host to Project Live's Third Annual Memorial Event. Those wishing to remember loved ones lost to overdose are invited to stop by the memorial table, wear commemorative clothing or keepsakes, carry signs and/or pictures. There will be a moment of silence before the race and an "honor guard" for the runners. For more information send a query to equatrani@gmail.com.

            Monetary donors have stepped up in a big way also. Donations are approaching the $11,000 mark. The Town and Country newspaper, Stauffer Glove and Safety and Grand Theater are the top contributors. Nearly 50 businesses and individuals will be listed as donors on the back of the race shirt.

            "It's been amazing how excited the public has gotten over the return of the 5K (which used to be UPPD's Foot Pursuit)," said Project Live's Erin Sweed, one of the organizers of the event. "Many have been supportive and spread the word on our behalf."

            Erin can be contacted for questions about the race at erin91278@yahoo.com.

            Project Live member Lenore Gates has come up with a unique way to raise funds--her Spirit Stick--from those who cannot attend the race.

            "My plan is to take a walking stick with me that will have the names of the people who sponsor me in the walk. For a modest five dollar donation, or more, you can get on the stick," Lenore said.

Donations can be sent to Lenore at 23 Stafford Square, Boyertown, 19512.

            It is not only Project Live who will be benefitting from the race. After expenses, the money will also go to the three police departments in the Valley, Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance and The Open Link. The latter two entities donate building space to Project Live for its meetings.

            Aiding volunteers from Project Live, Bob McCarty will serve as DJ, Will Zimpfer will emcee,  Keith Gerhart will sing the anthem, Pennsburg Fire Co. will display the American flag and several Upper Perkiomen High School students will be on hand.

            Raffles will be held and participants are urged to bring canned goods for The Open Link's pantry.

            "The day is going to be packed with fun and community spirit.  Besides the excitement of the race and awards presented, Project Live has also made sure the day is full of love and memories of those lost," noted Sweed.

            Project Live's mission is to help those suffering through the consequences of substance use disorder (SUD) is a family disease that can have devastating effects, especially because people are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma attached to addiction.

            The organization works tirelessly to remind people, "You are never alone".

            The cooperation that the community has exhibited in supporting the race should be the model for overcoming addiction: people should not feel alone because this community wants to help.

            "I hope that this is one of the annual platforms that our community, no matter age or gender, will gather together to show support of Project Live in its effort to educate and assist and support those individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder in the Valley," said Project Live's Vicki Thren, who is also helping to organize the Citizens Assist event.

            A meeting for those in recovery is held every Thursday night at 7 p.m. at The Center on Jefferson Street in East Greenville. At the same time and place, a separate meeting for family members of SUD sufferers is held in the same building.

            Project Live also raises awareness around the Valley at community events and in public places, offers Art for Recovery, partners with other anti-drug organizations, seeks to work more closely with law enforcement and brings prevention messages into the schools.

            Project Live holds public meetings, featuring guest speakers, at The UPV Ambulance Building every third Monday of the month. The community has listened to many inspiring stories, including personal narratives from those in recovery.

            At the latest public meeting, on October 21, the audience learned about Kolbe Academy from Project Live member and Kolbe teacher Winnie Houk. Kolbe, located in the Lehigh Valley, is the first faith-based recovery high school in the country. It is open to all faiths. More information is available at kolbe-academy.com.

            The third annual PL@Y event, Project Live at the YMCA, will be held on February 8. PL@Y is aimed at fourth through ninth graders and combines guest speakers with an afternoon of fun at the Pennsburg Y.