By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — This weekend’s Steppin’ Up 5K Walk/Fun Run is on pace to raise more than $100,000 for Turning Points Network, with about 600 runners expected to hit the streets on Saturday to benefit the organization focused on stopping violence of various types in its tracks.
“Right now, we are seeing a significant likelihood of federal cuts, particularly for survivor support,” Director of Communications and Development Susan Warner said. “This is for people in transitional housing, looking for food or medical care, anything they need to escape a situation.”
Turning Points Network has a focus on helping survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Their representatives assist survivors in receiving legal support they need to get into a safer situation. They are also working in schools with a prevention education program to help create healthy relationships.
“We work throughout the entire county with survivors and the school programs,” Warner said.
Warner said many of the educational programs by Turning Points are not covered by federal funds, so this fundraiser is helpful across the board.
The website for the event states that $75 provides for a night of safety and services for a survivor and their children in the Turning Points Network emergency shelter. Long-term peer support for a survivor with an advocate costs $150, an eight-week support group for students is $550, and $1,000 goes toward training new volunteers to staff the crisis and support line when the office is closed.
The site adds that every dollar raised helps survivors through “education, advocacy, messaging, and so much more.”
This is the 19th year of the 5K, which Warner describes as a “fun run” that just about anyone will be able to take part in. Those who would like to do a shorter, easier walk or run of about a mile can take the Family Fun Route, as well.
This will be a day full of family fun, complete with an appearance by race car driver Erin Dien, miniature donkeys, face painting, and some food and drinks that are all free of charge. The registration to participate is also free.
“People are welcome to come by, hang out and cheer on the runners and walkers,” Warner said.
This year’s sponsors are Crown Point Cabinetry, Delta Dental, Claremont Savings Bank and Bank of New Hampshire.
The fundraising efforts have been ongoing by the 53 registered teams leading up to this weekend. Teams range from two people to as much as 20, with “Shapiro’s Schleppers” holding a commanding lead of top fundraiser at $10,600. Currently, the event has raised $96,709 with a goal of $110,000, and if the goal is hit, the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation has pledged to add $50,000 to the total.
Last year there was $103,000 raised and while the amount varies year-to-year, this has generally been the total of late. The original event raised about $19,000 so it has come a long way. The goal of $110,000 would be the most the event has ever raised, and they are knocking on the door with day-of registrations and donations expected.
“It is an incredible sign of support for us from the community,” Warner said. “We have donations from across the county, but even across the country. It’s quite impressive and when you have several hundred people working to raise money for one cause, it is heartwarming to see.”
Those looking to register on the day of the event are asked to arrive on Saturday at 9 a.m. Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a rally at 9:45 a.m. and the walk/run starting at 10 a.m.
Can’t make it to the event? You can still donate by logging onto secure.qgiv.com/event/steppinup2025/.
Donations by credit card go to JustGiving: turningpointsnetwork.org/donate. Checks can be made payable to TPN/Steppin’ Up, and mailed to 231 Broad St, Claremont, NH 03743.
