“Race for Change” Fundraiser to Benefit Abused Children

Some of the funds raised through an upcoming 5K run and walk will be used to buy art materials for abused children, whose expression through creativity may help them cope with the affects of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. “Race for Change” is set for 9 a.m., Saturday, April 23 at the Carl Tomaso Sports Complex in Huntley, and is organized by It’s Our Little Secret.

Maebelle Obispo, vice president of business development at It’s Our Little Secret, said the abuse of children remains a stigma, and during April, National Child Abuse Awareness month, getting the word out is the first step.

“Our goal is to create awareness about child abuse,” she said. “It’s such a controversial issue. A lot of people don’t like to talk about it…yet most people actually know between one and five individuals who may have been abused in one way or another.  It’s time to talk about it.”

It’s Our Little Secret, based in Huntley, is a non-profit organization that opened about 18 months ago, Obispo said.

Through various programs, many of which are free, It’s Our Little Secret strives to empower children in general, and also to encourage abuse survivors live fully.

In collaboration with a martial arts academy, the organization presented a workshop to teach children how to block the negative effects of bullies.

“Another program is our mentoring program,” Obispo said. “A lot of kids after they graduate from high school don’t know what to do…we encourage them to explore college but college is not for everyone, and we want to teach them about other opportunities out there that they can learn and possibly make a career of.”

Without a plan for earning a living, young adults can end up more likely to be abused, she explained. In addition, those who have already been abused may be discouraged at the thought of an undetermined career path.

“They could fall into a cycle period of being angry,” she said. “Some children who are abused feel that they are not going to amount to anything, that they will end up like their parents, so the goal of the mentoring program is to show them options.”

The art expression program gives children an outlet to express their feelings without having to use language.

“All the proceeds from the run will go to these programs,” Obispo said.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Following the race/walk, children’s activities including a 50-yard dash, balloon release, Easter egg hunt and balloon animal vendor, will be offered.

The registration fee for adults is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the race. Children ages 4 and younger are free; children ages 5-12 years are $15; and student registration is $20.

More information about It’s Our Little Secret is available at itsourlittlesecret.jigsy.com.