Central Baptist Church DaySpring Race Raises Over $83,500 for Douglas County Schools in 16 Years
Children at Sweetwater Elementary School (SWES) will soon enjoy a better equipped playground, thanks to a generous $11,500 donation from Central Baptist Church (CBC). The donation represents record-setting proceeds from the 16th annual DaySpring 5K run sponsored by the church.
Dr. Emily Felton, SWES principal, said she was grateful to be chosen to partner with CBC and can’t wait to get new playground equipment for her students. “The Central Baptist Church DaySpring 5K race will always be a reminder of the true meaning of community involvement,” she said. “The generosity of the church will bring hours of joy to our students for years to come. We are grateful to Central Baptist for all it is doing for our school this year, and for all it has done for numerous other schools in prior years.”
The annual races are spearheaded by Chris Griffin, director of sports ministries at CBC, but he is quick to give credit to the church’s race committee and to each school’s race committee. “Volunteers from our church do a lot,” said Griffin, “but each school has to commit to work, too, including asking for sponsorships from local businesses.”
Griffin said the first race in 2004 grew out of a desire by the church to have a greater reach in the community. “Church members at the time were looking for ways to increase community outreach and decided being active with local schools was one way to do that. If we can help students and show the love of Jesus Christ, we think we have a win-win situation.”
Church members named the race DaySpring, a term used a few times in the Bible, one of which is found in Luke 1:78 (KJV): “the dayspring from on high hath visited us.” In this instance, the dayspring is a metaphor for the promised Messiah, Jesus, who would soon arrive.
According to Griffin, private, charter and public schools in Douglas County are all eligible to submit applications to be the beneficiary school. Schools not accepted may apply again the next year.
The DaySpring 5K is very popular regionally and statewide because it is a qualifier race for the Peachtree Road Race. There is also a one mile Fun Run, particularly popular with younger runners. The first race had 222 runners, with recent races nearing 500 participants. This year’s DaySpring 5K is November 14. More information about the race can be found on the church’s website, cbcdouglasville.com.
Principal Emily Felton speaks at the DaySpring 5K medal ceremony. With her is Chris Griffin, director of sports ministries at the church.
Sweetwater Elementary School (SWES) received $11,500 from the DaySpring 5K sponsored by Central Baptist Church (CBC). Principal Emily Felton is 6th from left, with Superintendent Trent North, Chris Griffin, director of sports ministries at the church, and Pastor Steve McFall. With them are members of the race committee.
A 5K runner raises his hands in victory as he crosses the finish line!