NEW ERA, MI – A new West Michigan 5K run and walk is primed to make an impact in East Africa.
The Country Dairy Cow Run will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 30 on the property of Country Dairy, Inc., 3476 S. 80th Ave. in New Era. The inaugural event will help raise money for a research farm located in Gulu, Uganda.
The research farm was started by Country Dairy owner Wendell Van Gunst, who, after working with the group Partners Worldwide, was inspired to assist Ugandan milk farmers following a visit to the war-torn country.
"He saw a huge need," said Betsy Arkema, Van Gunst's daughter who is also a co-organizer of the event. "The area used to be a farming community, but because of the civil war there virtually a whole generation of farmers were killed and dairy farming was lost."
The farm, which was completed last spring, includes about 20 cows, several crops, a barn and about 12 employees who are using modern dairy farming practices unlike any the country has seen before.
The run and walk aims to raise money for the next phase of the project, an entrepreneur school where young Ugandan adults will learn about economics, providing jobs and how to start their own businesses throughout the country's villages.
Additional funds will go towards the New Era Reformed Church to provide financial help to people from the community who would like to participate in short-term mission work around the world.
The run and walk will take participants down a trail to the VG Charolais Farm and through the woods and fields of the Country Dairy property. The route will take runners up close and personal with the farm's most important asset; its cows. But don't worry.
"They will be fenced off," Arkema said. "But people will basically be running with the cows."
Arkema said about 85 people have signed up so far and she gets a few more each day. She is hopeful about 100 people will participate.
Chocolate milk and cookies will be served following the run and walk. Registration forms can be picked up at the Country Dairy Farm Store. Cost is $25 per person or $50 for family registration up to four people. There is no deadline to register but the deadline for a guaranteed T-shirt has passed.
For more information, visit www.countrydairy.com
Brandon Champion covers arts and entertainment, business and weather for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email him at bchampio@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @BrandonThaChamp .