The first Rivers of Hope Color Walk/Run took place last Saturday at Lakeside Park in Big Lake. Runners and walkers in white t-shirts journeyed the one mile or 5-k path lined with volunteers ready to douse the runners in a color solution. Squirt bottles of a cornstarch mixture colored with food dye made for excellent color cannons, brightly coloring the participating runners and walkers.

The goal of the event was to raise awareness and funding for Rivers of Hope in their efforts to end family violence. As of the morning of the run, the runners/walkers had raised about a quarter of the $40,000 goal of the event, with help from friends and family. 

Many community organizations, businesses, and individuals volunteered or donated to the event, making it a success. 

The runners and walkers had a blast running through the colors, with one group even rolling down the sidewalk to get as colorful as possible.