Giving Back

local students can cheer for race for the cure

There’s more ways to participate in this year’s Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, Oct. 9, than running the 5K race or doing in the one-mile fun walk. Local cheerleading squads, dance teams, pep bands and school mascots are invited to be a part of the I AM THE CURE initiative by serving as “cure leaders” during the event. Cure Leaders will line the race course and cheer on runners in addition to spreading educational breast health information.

To run the race, your registration fee varies depending on if you opt for a timing chip to electronically collect and process your results at the end of the race — chips are usually worn on the shoe lace. Registration is $35 adults ($43 with chip), $20 ages 5 - 12 ($28 with chip). There is no fee to participate as a cure leader. The event takes place at Maryland Farms in Brentwood. To register as a runner or cure leader, call 383-0017 or visit www.komennashville.org.

become a volunteer at the discovery center

Looking for a fun way to give back to local kids in Rutherford County? The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring seeks volunteers to become part of the team in four distinct areas: Field Trip Assistants work alongside educators and the center’s educational specialist with hands-on projects during school field trips; Play Guides encourage visiting children to explore exhibits while interacting with them and also helping staff set up, clean up and organize the exhibit areas; The Dragonfly Team volunteers every Wednesday from 9 - 11 a.m. helping prepare materials for various educational programs; The Special Events Team helps out during the center’s free-day and other special events throughout the year. Kids ages 12 and older can volunteer, too. Ages 12 - 14 work on the floor helping children with exhibits. To learn more or to sign up, contact Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Walker at 890-2300 or visit www.discoverycenteronline.org.

ride the trails for saddle up!

Saddle Up! is Middle Tennessee’s oldest and largest recreational therapeutic horseback riding program serving children with disabilities. On Saturday, Sept. 18, your family can enjoy a day of fun activities while lending financial support to the nonprofit. The 2010 Avenue Bank Country Ride ‘N Roll includes something for all ages. Families who own horses can bring them (with your horse’s proof of negative Coggins) and enjoy open trail riding on the scenic trails.

Other activities include hayrides, roping demonstrations, stick horse races, a pony petting area and family games. The event takes place from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the 300-acre Duke It Out Farm, 4105 Columbia Pike, Franklin. Admission is a minimum donation of $50 for individuals or $100 for families (ages 11 and younger are free). The cost includes the trail ride, activities, T-shirts and lunch. Register online at www.saddleupnashville.org.