Bring Your Sense of Humor to Axis April Fool's 5k Walk and Run April 7th

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

It will be almost another year before the 24,000 square foot Axis Community Health facility at 5925 W. Las Positas Boulevard becomes fully operational, but the nonprofit medical service provider is already raising its Hacienda profile. The vehicle is a special fun-filled event with attractions for all ages, the Axis April Fool's 5k Walk and Run, slated for Sunday, April 7.

The April Fool's theme is a springboard to humor in all its dimensions. Organizers are hard at work planning a morning that will be "full of amusing surprises." Actors and street performers will be entertaining the crowd with jokes and antics, contributing to the carnival atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to form fundraising teams and share the levity by dressing up in costumes, with a raft of prizes for various categories.

Think "laughter is the best medicine," suggests Development Director Valerie Jonas, evoking the well-documented health benefits that make the outdoor venture especially appropriate given the Axis mission.

Even the serious side of the fundraiser is infused with fun. Axis is enlisting community support through five levels of event sponsorship, cleverly named to elicit a smile and tie in to the event theme: Giggle, Guffaw, Tickle, Chuckle, and LOL.

"We would love to see participation from companies within the park," notes Jonas. "We all share this Hacienda community, and we serve our neighbors indirectly as the number one provider of medical care for low-income and uninsured residents of the Tri-Valley." Axis presently has 11,000 medical patients and expects to serve 20,000 patients by 2014. Its two existing medical clinics - the main site in Pleasanton and the satellite clinic in Livermore-are operating at full capacity, adding a sense of urgency to the new facility.

The fundraiser is expected to generate roughly $20,000, which will be designated for preventive medical services-immunizations, check-ups for kids, prenatal visits for expectant moms, and care for people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

In addition to participants and sponsors, Axis is seeking volunteers to staff the event. "It takes a village to put on an event like this," Jonas laughs, "and we hope to recruit between 75 and 100 volunteers." Tasks vary from posting signs and help with set-up and break-down to serving as course monitors and parking attendants to handing out goodie bags. Bystanders are encouraged to turn themselves into volunteer cheerleaders.

Well suited for all fitness levels, the course will have the new Axis home as its starting point. Parking will be available across from the site, courtesy of the neighboring Simpson Manufacturing. Complete information about the route, registration, and volunteer and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the dedicated website, Axisaprilfools5k.org.

"This will be a really fun, family-friendly event promoting wellness in the community," Jonas points out. "It's a great way to spend a beautiful spring morning in April. Bring your family and your sense of humor. Do something for your health - because staying healthy is no joke."

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