This past Saturday two separate 5Ks brought the community together. In one case to honor the memory of a young girl who left this world too soon. In the other case to help support local causes in the Liberty County area.

The Khyla N. Dennis Memorial Foundation 5K Fun Run

Charles and Pamela Dennis hosted their second annual 5K in memory of their daughter Khyla N. Dennis who took her own life in October 2017.

Charles Dennis said that tragic day two years ago shook him to the core and has changed his life forever. He said he decided to take a negative situation and create a positive outcome for others contemplating suicide or those affected by it. He said he, his wife and his board of directors have worked feverishly advocating for suicide prevention, awareness and education. 

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep someone here with us for another day, another hour, another minute, another second,” Charles Dennis said. “Let them know to just take things day by day and that it will and does get better.”

He said it’s important to try and reach the youth and let them know they have alternatives and people they can reach out to.

“We often don’t know what these kids are feeling inside,” Charles Dennis said. “Right now they think this is their whole world. They don’t realize that 10-20 years down the line a lot of what happens in high school doesn’t even matter anymore. We need to reach them and let them know they will be all right.”

The proceeds from the fun run will go towards school scholarships. This year the foundation raised enough funds to possibly give out two scholarships instead of one.

Sunbury 5K

On the east end of the county runners lined up for the 10th annual Sunbury 5K. This year’s race raised funds for Carpathia Paws Animal Rescue, Hinesville Vietnam Veterans, and the Liberty Regional Coalition for the Homeless. 

The event was presented by long-time supporter Darsey, Black & Associates. Gold sponsors included the Sunbury Crab Company, Adam Herndon State Farm, Merritt & Grinstead Attorneys at Law, and Ankle & Foot Associates. Event Sponsors were:  Hill on Wheels Bicycle Shop, Fleet Feet Savannah, VIP Promotional Products, Reaching Milestones, Hupman Real Estate Group / Keller Williams, Midway Climate Controlled Storage, Rountree & Brady Insurance, Coastal EMC and the Coastal Courier as our Media Sponsor.

According to race organizers nearly 115 runners signed up for the 5K that winds through Sunbury Village and Fort Morris State Park.