SMILE Inc. teamed up with Nike, Nissan, and Miller Lite to present the Toga Party 5K at Northlake Mall in Atlanta on Oct. 25. SMILE Inc.’s Steve Baggs Jr. discusses the event and overall goal of the nonprofit organization.
What’s the purpose of the Toga Party 5k?
SMILE Inc., is a nonprofit organization created to assist young adults with the challenges brought on by the burden of student loans announces their Inaugural Toga Party 5K race. The race will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Northlake Mall in Atlanta and will be hosted by the city of Atlanta’s Health and Wellness ambassador, actor and former NFL Athlete Stevie Baggs Jr. This family-friendly event welcomes runners of all ages, preferably dressed in toga-themed attire to join in the race to raise money for SMILE Inc.’s “SMILE Scholarship Program,” an initiative to assist young adult’s facing current financial challenges with student loan repayment scholarships.
What can attendees expect from this event?
Each participant will receive a race T-shirt with registration, and are invited to enjoy an after race party on “Race Row” where all the fun will take place. Race Row will feature notable guest DJs, vendors and partner organization exhibits. Nike has teamed up with SMILE Inc to sponsor Nike prize packs that include a pair of running shoes and additional giftings for the first and second place male and female runners. Nike will also be onsite doing giveaways, discussing the latest Nike running innovations and best practices for runners. Stevie Baggs Jr. and his celebrity friends, will engage the crowd and speak on his journey through professional football, his non-profit the CETA Foundation, the importance of health and wellness, and how SMILE Inc.’s Toga 5k is addressing this issue.
Why is it important to promote health and education at an event like this?
I was fortunate enough to receive athletic scholarships for my education but I know that is not the path for most students. When I heard about this organization paying back student loans and promoting health and wellness through this Toga 5K, it seemed like a win-win situation lending my time to this event. It will be fun and I’m looking forward to it.
How will this 5K help provide more access to education?
Our team at SMILE Inc. is so excited about higher education, and providing resources to those who pursue it. We couldn’t think of a better way to show it then to help individuals pay back those pesky student loans. We are equally as excited about health and wellness so merging the undergraduate toga party with a 5K race seems like a great fusion for a great cause.
How can young adults who are seeking help from S.M.I.L.E. reach out to the organization?
To learn more about the application process, visit: https://www.smilescholarship.org/How to Apply/.
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