What a day it was! On August 5 at the McClesky YMCA, East Cobb Rotary marked the 22nd anniversary of our Dog Days 5K event with an extraordinary show of unity, determination, and support. We had a fantastic turnout of 552 runners that helped us raise over $100,000 to go toward local charities. This event is a testament not just to one day's achievement but to over two decades of our community coming together to make a difference for local charities in the typical Rotary way: service above self.

The Dog Days 5k exemplifies our Rotary club's dedication to our shared values and causes. Over these years, we've witnessed countless moments of inspiration, unity, and the incredible impact we can make when we stand together as Rotarians. This year's 552 runners embodied the spirit of dedication that has defined our event for over two decades. They ran not just for themselves but to support our local non-profit organizations, carrying forward the legacy of giving.

The support from our community, sponsors, and local businesses has always been the heart of our event. This year we had 73 sponsors for the event, many of which showed up to bring brand awareness to the community. These business sponsors were able to be involved with the runners and families who came to celebrate.  Some of these sponsors made this a team building event for their business, having multiple runners beat the heat together in a show of community comradery. The $100,000 raised, generously sponsored by our community partners, will continue to be given back to our community through our Dog Days grant program. We believe in our local non-profit organizations and by giving back, East Cobb rotary empowers them to continue their vital work.

This event is not just about the dollars raised but the inspiration it provides. It reminds us that when Rotary unites with a common purpose, we can achieve remarkable things. Not to say that the cheers, smiles, and high-fives were moments that will stay with us until our next Dog Days 5k! We are looking forward to continuing to build on this event with goals to increase sponsorship and runner attendance. This event has been steadily growing with the support of East Cobb Rotary, but we are always looking for ways to make a great impact through our service. Please feel free to reach out to our club to learn more!