Run in a Dress for MS fundraiser set Saturday in Teutopolis

TEUTOPOLIS Run in a dress? Sure, if it's for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

It happens Saturday, May 10, the Run in a Dress for MS 5k run/walk and one mile family fun walk, starting and finishing on the Teutopolis Junior High School track.

Organized by the Habing family last year to bring awareness to multiple sclerosis and to raise money to fight the disease, the event exceeded expectations, attracting more than 450 participants and raising more than $22,000.

We think we can make this event bigger and have more of an impact for the multiple sclerosis community by getting the word out to Central Illinois, said Philip Habing, the event manager. The Habing family includes Philip Habing's parents, Lawrence and Rita, and his sisters, Maria, Monica, Elisa, Renee and Anna.

We had already known a few people with MS in the area, Philip Habing explains. When one of my sisters was diagnosed in 2012, we began to research MS, including alternative treatment options and the prescription assistance programs available. The National MS Society provided the information and direction we needed.

We also found out about fundraising assistance programs by different groups, he said.

So our family and friends began planning a fundraiser of own. We wanted a catchy title and a theme. And so came the idea for Run in a Dress.

The event's meant to be lighthearted, silly and entertaining, said Habing.

Participants bring their running shoes and instead of T-shirts and running shorts, we want everyone in a dress to support MS. We know it may sound silly. Why not have a little fun doing something for a geat cause.

This has also allowed us the opportunity to meet other families in the community that are affected by the disease.

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Run in a Dress for MS fundraiser set Saturday in Teutopolis