The annual Twilight Run FOR Cherokee will hit Towne Lake Oct. 21, as runners, families and those wanting to help Friends of Recovery's cause will join in for the evening 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk.
The event raises money for the Cherokee Friends of Recovery Foundation and the Cherokee County DUI/Drug Treatment Court.
“This event is always so much fun, and its mission to keep Cherokee County’s roads safe is one that benefits the entire community,” said Don Stevens, chairman of the Friends of Recovery Foundation board. “We hope you will register and come out to support this great cause.”
The ninth annual event will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and costs $25 ($30 after Oct. 10); registration for children under age 12 is $15. Those who don’t want to run still can support the cause as a Phantom Runner for $25.
The course begins and ends at Hobgood Park. Awards will be given for first, second and third place for the 5K male and female runners, as well as major place age groups for males and females.
Register by visiting active.com and searching 2017 Twilight Run FOR Cherokee.
A Mission for Safety
The Cherokee Friends of Recovery (FOR) Foundation Inc. was formed by a group of citizens in Cherokee County wanting to reduce the number of traffic accidents and injuries related to impaired drivers on our highways and possibly saving the lives of someone we love.
The Hon. C.J. Gober first initiated the DUI/Drug Treatment Court in 2007. Today, services of the court are presided over by the Hon. Alan W. Jordan, chief state court judge. The goal of Cherokee FOR is to protect the safety of all citizens from impaired drivers.
Alcoholism and drug abuse are a significant part of today’s impaired-driving problem. If the problem is not corrected, the endless and deadly cycle of impaired driving never will end.
The DUI/Drug Treatment Court can provide the needed intervention to get repeated drunk drivers into necessary treatment as a way to help stop recidivism. With the population growth of Cherokee County, drunk drivers are expected to increase; however, with the success of the DUI/Drug Treatment Court, participants are given the opportunity to become productive members of our community.
How It Works
The DUI/Drug Treatment Court is part of the accountability court model, holding repeat offenders accountable and getting them the help they need.
The rigorous program — lasting about 14-18 months — helps people overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol, through court proceedings, counseling and support.
Fundraising efforts help low-income participants get the support they need and provide assistance with their fees, as all participants are responsible for paying the fees associated with the program.
“When someone is putting their all into the program and just can’t seem to pay their fees, for instance for graduation, their case is brought before the Friends of Recovery nonprofit board for a vote,” Stevens said. “We take each case seriously, and we ensure that the participants are giving 100 percent in the program before doling out money.”
To qualify for the program, which is a sentencing option handed down by a state court judge, participants must be a resident of Cherokee County and have two DUIs in 10 years or three or more in a lifetime.
For more information, visit www.CherokeeFOR.com.
By Erika Neldner
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