WASHINGTON, -- Runners and walkers will hoof it on Saturday, Sept. 12, to raise money to send a young journalist to college.
The National Press Club's 12th annual 5K Run/Walk & Auction is on at 9 a.m. and will draw runners and walkers from throughout the region. Proceeds benefit the National Press Club Scholarship for Diversity in Journalism.
The National Press Club has worked diligently to promote diversity in America's newsrooms. Over the past decade, the Club has awarded more than $600,000 to bright young people in need of financial assistance to attend journalism school and realize their full potential. Past winners have attended such prestigious institutions as Georgetown University, Harvard University, American University and Columbia University and have gone on to work in some of the nation's top newsrooms.
This year's winner is Viviana Benjumea of Elmurst, New York. Benjumea, who hopes to become a foreign correspondent for a major newspaper or TV network, will receive $5,000 a year for four years toward her university tuition.
Jim Ryun, former Olympic track medalist and congressman, is the honorary race marshal. The day's event includes an auction that includes items such as an autographed guitar from country music star Toby Keith, an opportunity to meet CNN's Christiane Amanpour, a day at "Meet the Press," and an overnight stay at the new W Hotel DC.
All participants receive an official race shirt and admission to the legendary post-race breakfast. Entry fees before Aug. 30 are $25 for National Press Club members and students and $30 for the general public. After Aug. 30, the fees increase to $35; on race day the entry fee is $40.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.press.org or pick up entry forms at the Press Club.
For more information or to become a sponsor contact Melinda Cooke at (202) 662-7516 or e-mail 5K@press.org.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB:
The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Founded in 1908, the Club has 3,500 members representing most major news organizations. Each year, the Club holds over 2,000 events including news conferences, luncheons and panels, and more than 250,000 guests come through its doors.
