2nd Annual “Celebrating Recovery, Hope, and Support” 5K Run/Walk

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding our 2nd Annual “Celebrating Recovery, Hope, and Support” 5K Run/Walk on September 14, 2024 at the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico, WI.  This time of year was chosen because September is Recovery Month. The primary goal for the 2nd  Annual 5K Run/Walk is to support those in recovery and bring awareness to those affected by gambling disorders.

Did you know that 2 million Americans meet the criteria for severe gambling problems and 4-6 million Americans suffer from problematic gambling habits? In 2021, approximately $2.2 billion was spent on legalized gambling in Wisconsin. With gambling expansion and normalization comes increase in problems. Throughout 2021, nearly $57.2 billion was wagered on sports, that’s a 165% year-over-year increase.

People who have a gambling problem, or have loved ones that do, bring their addiction to work with them every day. The negative effects are elusive; lost productivity, time off, even the health of employees suffer from the stress that problem gambling causes. When problem gamblers become desperate, they may turn to workplace crimes like embezzlement or fraud to finance their addiction. Stressed gamblers have a high risk of becoming suicidal as the only way out of their financial or legal problems.

This 5K Run/Walk provides a positive and active outlet for individuals of our community to come together. We aim to educate adults about gambling disorders and encourage discussion with their children/families. We also aim to help employers ensure or maintain a safe work environment, educate on addiction, and reduce community stigma. 

We can’t reach our goal without the help of active leaders in Wisconsin. We are extending the opportunity to you to be a sponsor. Here are the different levels of sponsorship for you to consider:

Recovery Sponsorship $800

• Be a community leader and Recovery Sponsor to support those in recovery and bring awareness to those affected by gambling disorders. As a Recovery Sponsor you are included in all promotional media including print, name printed predominantly on the run/walk shirts and in social media, and you are welcome to participate in radio interview(s) promoting the event.  Also included in your sponsorship you may have up to 6 registrants as a team.

Hope Sponsorship $400

• Hope for those in recovery and bring awareness to those affected by gambling disorders. As a Hope Sponsor you are included in all promotional media including print, run/walk shirts, and social media. Also included in your sponsorship you may have up to 3 registrants as a team.

Support Sponsorship $200

• Be a Supporter and help those in recovery and bring awareness to those affected by gambling disorders. As a Support Sponsor you are included in all promotional media including print, run/walk shirts, and social media.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the event and look forward to hearing from you. If you are interested in donating money or supporting in other ways, please fill out the Sponsor Form below or email: Rose Blozinski at rose@wi-problemgamblers.org by June 1, 2024. 

Thank you for taking the time to review this information.