Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia and Lowcountry will host its fifth annual Pacesetters Concert at 45 Bistro on June 12, taking guests on a musical journey that spans different genres and ages.
“It is such an honor to see the community come together to help ensure every girl in our area has access to this important program,” said GOTR Board President and Pacesetters Musician, Kristin King.
The Pacesetters concert was started by King five years ago when she joined the board. It is one of their key fundraisers. Girls On The Run serves seven counties and about 80 percent of their girls are on scholarship.
“That means that anyone that wants to do this program can do it. The majority of our fundraising is just all geared towards raising funds that can provide scholarships for the girls. This event is a really great way to raise money and awareness about the organization,” said King.
Pacesetters features local, female musicians, Cecilia Arango, Kristin King, Payne Bridges, and Susanna Dye Kennedy, with support from Marc Chesanow on Bass and Robert Saunders on Drums. Historically the band is all female but this year one of their regular supporters and band members Maggie Evans was injured after being hit by a vehicle while riding bike.
“Maggie is truly wonderful and has been involved foundationally in every concert we have done. She is doing amazing. She is the strongest woman I know and she is a wonderful musician and artist and I am thankful she is expected to recover fully,” said King.
The music will be fun high energy covers of songs and the bands twist on other hit songs as well including Tina Tuner, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Thorn band and more. The venue 45 Bistro is supporting the organization and event by offering the venue.
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.
“This program is really great, especially for girls who might not be inclined to join traditional sporting teams. This is more of a safe environment because it’s not competitive. It’s just do your best. Whether that’s walking, skipping, running, whatever. We have a completely inclusive program for anybody,” said King.
King said she has always had a passion for being involved and making a positive impact in the lives of children. Her mom was a kindergarten teacher who believed a child should have someone outside of their parents or relatives that helps uplift them as well. With this foundation this is why King became part of the organization Girls on the Run and helped advance their reach and mission.
“I think it’s very important that we are giving back to our community in whatever way that we are passionate about but for me, also to see and hear the story from the girls and their parents about how transformative this program is, it is mind blowing. I get goosebumps when I talk about it,” said King.
“Sandy Hollander, the owner of 45 Bistro has been very generous and we enjoy this space. The first hour from 5 to 6 will be a social hour and the atrium will be the concert. Guests will also have a chance to sponsor a team and we are always looking for volunteer coaches,” said King.
In addition to sponsoring a team, attendees can sponsor snacks, water or any other aspect that is needed for the season.
Tickets to the concert are open to the public and all proceeds from the event will benefit the local Girls on the Run council. Tickets are $150 for an individual or $250 for a couple and include food and drinks for the evening. To reserve, visit gotrcoastalgeorgialowcountry.org
