At Times Like These, People Still Feel The Chill

Although I shall never be mistaken for one of the world's more benevolent souls, even I have causes that are near and dear to the charcoal briquette that plays the role of my heart (to limited acclaim I might add). One such cause is the annual Big Chill 5K at Rutgers University.  I owe a debt to my sister, Jill, for having introduced me to it, which she did way back when in 2008.  

Rutgers University's purpose in putting on the Big Chill 5K annually is to take care of those less fortunate in and around New Brunswick, including but not limited to children for whom Christmas might simply be another bleak day on the calendar.  For years, entry into the case was paid by donation of an unwrapped toy with an approximate value of $15.00, which toys were then wrapped and distributed to kids for whom the toy they received via the Big Chill was the only one Santa was leaving 'neath their tree.  

COVID-19 has forced the Big Chill 5K to morph into a virtual event this year.  Although participation in it this way will deprive you of (a) battling frostbite as you line up outside the College Avenue Gym in the wee small hours of a December Saturday morning; (b) running up George Street (emphasis on the word "up") to the 1-mile marker; and (c) seeing firsthand the incredible stack of toys from one baseline to another on the far side of the College Avenue Gym, your virtual participation will provide real benefits.

This year's edition of the Big Chill supports two charities:  Winter Wishes, an  annual holiday-themed event that provides over 400 New Brunswick pre-school children with gifts for the holiday season. The second is the Rutgers Food Security Fund, which provides food weekly to Rutgers students experiencing food insecurities. Your $20.00 registration fee enables you to complete your 5K at any time between December 12 and December 20 (including on a treadmill in a climate-controlled setting if you desire) and nets you a quite spiffy-looking RU winter hat.  All that for $20.00?  

Here is the link if you want to register. I already have.  C'mon, I was going to pass on a hat?  Did I mention it has a red and black pom-pom on top? Even though I suspect my globe-sized cranium will expose the lie that is "one size fits all", I am happy to accept the challenge. 

-AK