By SARAH DOOLITTLE, LYNETTE HAALAND
Four Points News

Run the Ranch raised over $11,000 for the new Hill Country Special Needs Alliance, which provides financial support for families with special needs children in the Four Points area.

“The community loves this race and has always been very supportive,” said Elizabeth Carrero, HCSNA board member.

The annual run was held May 29 at Towne Square Community Center in Steiner Ranch and had 516 runners in both the 5k and kids fun run. The 5k women’s overall winner was Jordan Mathis and the 5k men’s overall winner was J.R. Hardy.

Activities at Run the Ranch included inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, free massages, music and games.Cups & Cones, Big Kahuna Donuts, the Lake Travis Fire Department, etc. were all part of the event.

For 12 years, Run the Ranch was organized by Hill Country Bible Church, which turned over the operation to last year’s beneficiary, Hill Country Special Needs Alliance.

HCSNA is a non-profit organization committed to helping families and caregivers offset the unique financial challenges affecting those with special needs. The organization focuses solely on families based in the Four Points area. The organization was started in 2016 by several local families, some whom have children with special needs and some whom understand the financial difficulties that come with caring for a child with special needs.

HCSNA’s fundraising goal for Run the Ranch was $5,000 and the organization more than doubled that with this year’s event.

“Funds will be used to help offset the costs of therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and summer camp scholarships,” Carrero said.

In the past year, funds raised by HCSNA have gone to help four area families get needed assessments and therapies for their children with special needs.

“We are thankful to all whom have contributed to the organization and their willingness to help our area neighbors with special needs,” Carrero said.

HCSNA’s board members:

Amy Roberts, co-founder and president

Melissa Miltonberger, vice-president

Kathy Mervin, fundraising chair

Elizabeth Carrero, communications chair

Biff Ferrell, co-founder and treasurer

Monique Burr, events chair

Deepali Poladia, outreach chair

Don Dumbacher, co-founder

Matt Roberts, co-founder