Run Tosa Run

On Saturday September 29, 2012, 145 runners and walkers gathered with friends, family and neighbors in Tosa’s East Towne neighborhood to participate in the 3rd annual charity run to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin. Competitive runners from the metro area descended upon the residential course to pursue their best times. The overall winner of the “Run Tosa Run” was Amanda Daws with a time of 19 minutes, 3 seconds

Wauwatosa residents enjoyed the event as a community get-together. Children played games such as Angry Bird Bowling and bean bag toss. The Evangelical Covenant Church lead craft projects and painted faces. Wauwatosa’s Fire Department brought their hook and ladder truck to educate on fire safety. A wonderful variety of breakfast and lunch foods was offered by sponsors North Avenue Grill, Cranky Al’s and Fattonis of Wauwatosa

This year business participation in Run Tosa Run increased greatly, thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses as well as a large network of supportive volunteers. The flagship sponsors included Lutheran Home and Harwood place, Johnson Controls, and Bobby Pantuso Real Estate. Pantuso is the 5th district alderman and a resident of Tosa East Towne. North Avenue businesses Ultra Fidelis, Revolution Natural Running Center and Alterra Coffee Roasters provided gift certificates for the winners of the race. Other sponsors included National Premium, Tosa Yoga, PNC Bank, Cornerstone roofing and McDonalds on North Avenue in Wauwatosa. Volunteers support from PNC Bank of Wauwatosa, Tosa West Key Club, Evangelical Covenant Church and TETNA neighbors all contributed to the success of the event.

More than $2,700 was raised for Ronald McDonald House. The well-known charity is located on Watertown Plank Road in Wauwatosa, near Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Ronald McDonald house’s mission is to ease the burden of families with children suffering from serious illness or injury. Lodging and caring outreach programs are available for families who have children staying in Milwaukee-area hospitals. Art therapy, dog therapy, a secret garden, and daily meals prepared by volunteer groups are examples of services and programs offered to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. These families benefit from having basic needs taken care of during very difficult times, but also benefit from support provided by staff and other families going through the same trials. With 38 guest rooms, the house can do a lot of good with the help of donations. The proceeds that will be donated will essentially fund one family’s stay for nearly a month.

“We are so fortunate to have community organizations, like Tosa’s East Towne neighborhood, help support us in our mission. Third-party fundraisers provide crucial financial support that allow us to offer our services and programs to over 1,000 families who stay with us each year”, says Ann Petrie, CEO at the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin.

To see more photos from the race, check our Facebook page

Race Results: runtosarun2012results

The 5 km (3.1 mile) race route takes runners through the East Towne neighborhood.  Starting at the City Lot on the corner of North Avenue and 72nd Street, runners will proceed along the neighborhood streets, which will be closed to vehicular traffic.  The route doubles back on Wright Street near Lefeber Avenue, to Finish back at the 72nd Street Lot.

The 2 km (1.2 mile) walking route also starts in the City Lot, and follows the same path as the runners, but turns off to loop back to the starting line.  Strollers are welcome.

Race Packets:

Packet pick-up will take place on Friday September 28th between 3:30 and 6:30 PM at:

While you’re picking up your race packet, you may want to pick up dinner from Tony’s  selection of Italian American cuisine.

Festivities:

Local business will be offering food, drink and entertainment before, during and after the race in the 72nd Street Lot.  Festivities will conclude at noon.  Afterwards, runners are encouraged to visit restaurants on North Avenue for lunch or a celebratory drink.

About the Cause:

Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin will benefit from the proceeds raised by the event.  This organization provides housing for families of children who are being treated in hospitals in Eastern Wisconsin.  Runners have the opportunity to make a donation in excess of their registration fee.

Please help us to support this worthy organization.