Shake, bake, make lives better

Something as simple as soccer can improve a child’s life. 

Although encouragement and growth are all skills usually provided to a child by a parent, that isn’t always the case. 

In West Birmingham, non-profit organization NorthStar Soccer Club is dedicated to teaching developmental skills to children through after-school programs and soccer. The club supports about 480 youths each year.

In a few weeks, the Shake and Bake Run hosted by the Town of Mt Laurel will be donating all its proceeds to the club. 

“It just makes it a lot of fun seeing their faces and excitement,” race director Bill Kreis said. “You have to give back when and where you can. This is just one of those good opportunities for us to do that.”  

The Shake and Bake Run has supported multiple non-profit organizations over its 11 years. One hundred percent of profits from sponsorship and race proceeds go to designated organizations each year.

This year the 5K will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 a.m. with registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. 

“It is a really pleasant course,” Kreis said. “It’s a good course for people who are either new running or haven’t run very much. It is a good bit of shade even though it is on an August day.” 

Both walkers and runners are welcome, and by the time the walkers finish the race, the results are usually ready to be announced at the park behind the fire station. 

Prizes for top runners are usually gift baskets filled with fresh fruit or vegetables provided by the Mt Laurel Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair, which ties the entire community into the race. 

“We always get very positive responses because it is a real family-friendly race,” Kreis said. “We will even do a top team award and a top family award.”

Families or groups with three or more people could win a prize such as a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

After the race, competitors can enjoy Steel City Pops and Jim ‘N Nicks food along with other vendors around the park. T-shirts are also available for the run. Kreis said Mt Laurel tries to create a fun, no-pressure atmosphere for everyone who participates. 

“We really try to make it real sweet and real pleasant,” Kreis said. “It’s not one of these hard-pressed races with 10,000 people. There is a lot of elbow room to run.” 

For more information about the Shake and Bake Run, visit shakeandbake5k.com. For more information about NorthStar Soccer Club, visit northstarym.wordpress.com.