Fun runs, walks, gift cards, barbecue, and fellowship are all part of the upcoming schedule for Shepherd’s Crossing.
Executive Director, Beth Klug, tells KMAN Shepherd’s Crossing opened their doors on April 3, 2001 as a way to positively address the financial needs of those in the community, and now, after twenty years of service, a celebration is in order. She adds that the celebration will be a night full of enlightenment.
“Jim Reed, who actually started Shepherd’s Crossing, and C. Clyde Jones, as we know, will be giving just a brief overview of our history and then speaking specifically to the story of how he got started,” Klug says.
C. Clyde Jones, through his twenty years of service, has held every office at Shepherd’s Crossing, and currently he holds the position of Development Officer. He tells KMAN he is grateful for all of it.
“Shepherd’s Crossing is my passion,” Jones adds. “The numbers of people we are able to help out of financial emergencies, oh, what a difference we have made in the lives of, literally, thousands of Manhattan families.”
Klug says the numbers of those helped continues to grow and says the outreach has been even greater during the pandemic.
“Last year we saw an increase in need,” Klug adds. “For a period of time, we had between fifty and sixty percent of our clients, were brand new to Shepherd’s Crossing. They had never had to seek any sort of financial help before.”
Shepherd’s Crossing is able to continue helping thousands due to the hosting of fundraising events, such as the C. Clyde Jones Fun Run/Walk. The inaugural run in 2012 was held in honor of K-State’s first dean, C. Clyde Jones, who continues to spend countless hours volunteering in the community. C. Clyde Jones tells KMAN this year, the event will offer a virtual and in-person run this year as well as a fun incentive for those who sign up.
“They have to be present to win this, but HyVee Market has donated 10 months of $100 a month of free groceries to a person whose name will be drawn in a random drawing of all those who have registered by September 22.”
Jones adds that the only requirements to be entered for the HyVee gift, is to register by the date and be present at the event. He adds that no running or walking is actually required.
Each year the run raises nearly $20,000 with a portion of those proceeds going to Shepherd’s Crossing.
The upcoming week is full for Shepherd’s Crossing, as the 20th year anniversary will take place on Thursday, September 23 at the Sunset Zoo Education Center. To learn more or to attend the celebration, call 785-776-1470, or email shepherds@interkan.net.
Just days after the celebration, you can give back to Shepherd’s Crossing by taking part in the C. Clyde Jones Fun Run/Walk. The run and walk are set for Saturday, September 25 beginning at 9AM in City Park. To register, visit cba.k-state.edu/about/events/cclyderun.
