Family Promise, a group of churches that is working to end homelessness in Effingham County, is gearing up for a fundraising bed race on Saturday, March 22, at Effingham County High School.
The race has drawn 22 entrants, with more expected up until the day of the race. In addition to churches, groups entering include families, friends, Boy Scouts and businesses.
The teams each paid $100 to enter and are busy building their beds. Each bed will have one rider and will be pushed three-quarters of the way around the high school track by four runners.
Entrants are separated into three divisions: youth, open and “faster pastor.” Prizes will be awarded for fastest finish, people’s choice and most creative.
The race is free for spectators. Vendors will be selling food, jewelry and crafts. The race should start about 8:45 a.m. and last until about 2 p.m.
“We hope to do it every year,” said Jean Vaught, a volunteer for Family Promise who heads fundraising efforts.
The group hopes to start helping homeless people in mid-May. For more information about the bed race, call 912-268-0373.