Becker is and has always been a community that loves to give to causes that not only benefit those from the local area — but to those across the state, nation and world.

 

One such cause is the annual Haitian Hustle 5k fun run that pits hundreds of participants to the streets of Becker to raise money for a worthy cause.

This year’s race is scheduled for Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. at the Becker Primary school.

 

The Haitian Hustle 5k was started five years ago to help raise money to send a group of kids supported by Jesus in Haiti Ministries to school.  Since then, 10 boys have graduated and eight have gone on to college through the fundraiser.  

 

The 5k has raised close to $30,000 to help these kids.  

 

This year, there will also be a “virtual race” where people from all over the U.S. will be running in their own hometowns, receiving a t-shirt and can give to this cause. It also will be run simultaneously by the kids who are supported by the race in Haiti.  

 

Dawn Bengtson chairs the event and all money raised from the race will go to cover the educational costs of the children living at the Lighthouse Children's Home in Bon Repos, Haiti.

 

Virtually all schools in Haiti are private and the kids from the Lighthouse would not have the means to attend school without the funds from the Haitian Hustle. Race money will cover tuition, books and other supplies and transportation to school.

 

Many local businesses sponsor the Becker Haitian Hustle.  It is overseen by Becker Evangelical Free Church because they feel they need to be obedient to God's call to care for those in need.

 

Persons interested in registering or donating can do so by going to the website,  www.haitianhustle.com.  Last year's winners were: Jesse Babler of Becker (men’s) with a time of 17:32 and for the women:  Julia Bengtson of Becker finished with a time of 22:31. Over 300 runners and walkers participated.

 

Bengtson says every year, the fall sports teams come out and cheer along the route. She notes this is the ministry that Nate Bucher, Becker second grade teacher and wife Kristi partnered with when they moved to Haiti for two years.