Fifth Third River Bank Run raises $236K

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Fifth Third Bank officials announced Tuesday that more than $236,000 was raised for 23 local charitable organizations and four high schools through the 34th annual Fifth Third River Bank Run.

The race was held May 14 in Grand Rapids. The money total compares to $125,000, which was raised last year -- an 89% increase.

Beneficiaries include the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Strong Kids Healthy U Program, the official charity of the race, as well as 15 2011 charity partners and other area not-for-profit groups.

"We are proud that the Fifth Third River Bank Run continues to make a positive difference in the West Michigan community," John Bultema, president of Fifth Third Bank Western Michigan said in a news release.

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Strong Kids Healthy U Program received $1 from Fifth Third Bank for every paid participant, an amount that totaled $17,306. In addition, Fifth Third provided incentives for participants willing to make a donation to the YMCA which netted another $5,420, bringing the total donation to the YMCA to $22,726.

Each charity partner received a donation from Fifth Third Bank between $250 to $1,000 this year, for a total of $9,000. The organizations were then promoted through 53riverbankrun.com, participant enewsletters, webcasts and other marketing tools by the Fifth Third River Bank Run, encouraging people to raise pledges for the various organizations through their participation.

To date, 2011 Fifth Third River Bank Run participants have raised more than $200,324 for the 15 organizations which include Alpha Women's Center, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Dégagé Ministries, Down Syndrome Association of Western Michigan, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Wheelchair Sports Association, In the Image, Kent County Girls on the Run, Kids' Food Basket, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Mel Trotter Ministries, My Team Triumph, Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan and Safe Haven Ministries.

Boy Scout Troop 292, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, East Grand Rapids High School, Grandville High School, Hand 2 Hand Ministries, Living Water International, St. Thomas the Apostle School, Cedar Springs RITS Program, Lowell Pink Arrows and Trail Dawgs received an additional $3,950 from the 2011 Fifth Third River Bank Run.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner program. Any charity that is a 501(c)3 organization and has an office in Michigan is eligible to apply. Applications are available at 53riverbankrun.com and must be received by June 17, 2011.