The southeast corner of NW 63rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue marks the spot for the start of the annual Redbud Classic running races and cycling events. The same corner housed the original campus of the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. On April 5-6, these two non profit agencies will join together during the 26th annual Redbud Classic.

The Redbud Classic is a fitness event offering an activity for everyone in the family. The 2008 events are the 5k and 10k runs, the 5k wheelchair event, the 2-mile walk and baby stroller derby, and the popular one-mile children’s run. Redbud is also continuing the tradition of cycling events with the 10-, 33-, and 50-mile bike tours. The running events are scheduled for Sunday, April 6, while the biking events and the children’s run will be held Saturday, April 5 (see box details). Also scheduled for Saturday, April 5 is the pancake breakfast following the cycling events and the traditional Pasta on the Pond which gives runners an opportunity to carbo load prior to Sunday’s events.

In addition to providing fitness events for the entire family the Redbud promotes philanthropy by donating its profits to a local agency. Annually, local non-profit agencies apply to the Redbud Classic as potential beneficiaries. The Redbud Classic Board of Directors reviews the applications and selects a beneficiary.

Beneficiaries are selected on many criteria, but one important factor is an organization’s ability to provide volunteers for the Redbud events. The beneficiary and the Redbud work as partners. In exchange for the financial contribution Redbud makes to the agency, the beneficiary is responsible for providing the Redbud Classic with at least 120 volunteers throughout the weekend. Primarily these volunteers staff the children’s event which draws hundreds of children to Nichols Hills Plaza for a free one-mile race.

For several years the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children have provided the Redbud Classic with an average of 125 volunteers without even being the beneficiary. In addition to using volunteers from their database, many of the children who reside in the homes will also be volunteering at the event. “This location is sentimental to all of us and we want to give back to the community who gave to us at the very start,” said development director Kelly Bolt.

The Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children began in 1903 as an orphanage. The home was located at NW 63rd and Pennsylvania from 1907 until 1983 when it moved to 16301 S Western. There are now four campuses across the state (Edmond, Oklahoma City, Owasso, and Madill) which provide residential care to children in a family-style setting. In these homes, eight children live in a cottage with a married couple serving as house parents. Transitional
cottages are also available for children who have lived in the home and are continuing their education or beginning careers. “These cottages provide a place for the kids as they get out into the world,” explained Bolt.

In recent years, the Redbud Classic has donated approximately $25,000 to the chosen beneficiary, with the highest donation ($29,000) given in 2002. With the monies received from the Redbud Classic, the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children will continue its mission of helping children become capable, caring, Christian adults. The money will be used to fund activities such as organized sports and summer outings for the children. Additionally, the money will be spent on fuel and repairs for the vehicles owned by the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children which operates solely on private donations and contributions and does not accept any state or federal funding. Learn more about the organization at OBHC.org.

For more information on the Redbud Classic, including a course map, complete event details, and registration, visit Redbud.org or call 405-842-8295.