A recent weekend, 231 people from all around the area gathered at Becker High School to participate in the annual Haitian Hustle 5k Fun Run and kids races  to benefit families in Haiti.

There were also people racing "virtually" in 12 other states, England, Canada as well as a group of kids in Haiti.

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

The Lighthouse is run by Jesus in Haiti Ministries and is home to nine children in grade school, most of whom were orphaned after the 2010 earthquake and 14 young men who are finishing high school and preparing for college.

For eight years Bengtson has been “doing the hustle” for a worthy cause and her efforts are continuing to reap benefits for needy children in Haiti. 

Bengtson was asked about doing some fundraising years ago for the people of Haiti after she first visited the republic and stayed at the home of Tom Osbeck, founder of Jesus in Haiti Ministries. Osbeck suggested she start a fundraiser and Bengtson balked but responded to God’s calling to care for the “least of these”.

The first Haitian Hustle was an overwhelming success, garnering 180 racers and  raising more than $10,000. The Hustle was picked up in 2012 by the city of Austin and funds raised from the 2013 races were sufficient to send all residents of Lighthouse Children’s House to school, as well as cover their supplies and uniforms. 

The next year, Fort Wayne, In., and Cincinnati, Oh came on board. 

Bengtson gets many volunteers from her church.  The race is sponsored by businesses from Becker and friends who have a heart for Haiti and want to give.  The only cost of the race is the tshirts; every other dollar goes to the kids.

Dani Nuest took first place in the women’s category with a time of 19:43. She was followed by Julia Bengtson (19:52) and Brooks Lorents of Sauk Rapids (20:10).

In the men’s division, Lukas Karel of Becker glided to victory in a time of 17:45. He was followed by Jacob Lukkarila (18:49) and Troy Nuest (19:52).

Becker Bulldog football, cross country, tennis and girl's soccer teams all came and cheered along the race route.

The Hustle's proceeds all go to support a group of kids cared for by Jesus in Haiti Ministries to assist with paying for their education. One of the boys that has been supported by the Haitian Hustle is now in seminary in Haiti, and the race proceeds assist with his tuition as well.