Childhelp, a nonprofit organization advocating for abused and neglected children, is giving residents the chance to get out, get active and make a difference for the love of a child. The community is invited to participate in the Childhelp Wings Trick or Trot Family Fun Run on October 24 at McCormick Ranch Golf Course in Scottsdale. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. with the staggered start beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds from this event benefit the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” program.

Throughout the pandemic, calls to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, housed predominantly in Scottsdale, have spiked as high as 46% over the previous year. Childhelp’s “Speak Up Be Safe” program helps children and teens learn the skills to prevent or interrupt cycles of neglect, bullying, and all forms of child abuse.

At the event, there will be a one-mile and a 2.8-mile route on the Palm Course, an oasis in the desert that offers panoramic mountain vistas beyond vast, sparkling lakes. Come as you are or dress up in your favorite costume to have some fun and take pictures, all for a good cause. Candy and games will be available at each hole around the golf course. At the finish line there will be refreshments, snacks, upbeat music, and a raffle to celebrate participation from everyone.

There are opportunities to support the event as a sponsor, fundraiser (individual or team), donor, or participant. The cost to participate is $25 per individual and tickets for two, three, or five-person families (not including children under 12 and under) are $50.

Sponsorships include the Skeleton Tee at $1,000, the Zombie Zone at $2,000, the Ghost Racer at $3,000, and the Shining Title at $5,000. Each Ghost Racer and Shining Title sponsor will have its logo design placed on signage at specific holes around the course. Other donations or corporate gifts can be made online.

Founded in 1959 by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson and headquartered in Scottsdale, Childhelp aims to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. In 2019, Childhelp provided services to 30,000 children and families in Arizona. Since its inception, Childhelp has served more than 11 million children in communities across the globe.

Whether miles away or near enough to attend, all are welcome to participate. Learn more at childhelp.org/trickortrot. You can also coordinate your own walk where you live and send pictures to share. Please send photos or questions to Kathy Emig at [email protected].