On Sunday, Dec. 15, 50 runners took part in the first-ever Morning Pointe Santa Shuffle 5K and Mile Dash at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley in Walker County, Georgia.
Racers donned their Christmas gear while running for a cause – the event was a fundraiser for the Morning Pointe Foundation and raised more than $4,000 for the nonprofit. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing senior care through scholarships, caregiver support programs, and educational initiatives throughout the Southeast. It was founded in 2014 by senior healthcare leaders Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. Local partner schools include Dalton State College, the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College.
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Foundation and share your holiday spirit, even in the rain,” said Miranda Perez, Morning Pointe Foundation executive director. “We appreciate the support of the team at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley in believing in our mission and putting their creativity behind organizing this fun and festive event.”
Kristen Weiz, community relations director at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley, was the primary organizer of the race. An avid runner, she saw a unique opportunity to involve the running community in helping local students pursue their dream of education.
“We had such a good time, and such dedicated participants,” Weiz said. “We had several runners say they want to come back again next year, and we’re so happy that we can put on such a fun event that also supports a good cause.”
First place for the men’s division was Tristin Cuzzort from Flat Rock, Alabama, and for the women’s division was Robyn Ward from Chatsworth, Georgia.
Second place from the men’s division was David Lane from Ringgold, Georgia, and for the women was Aubrey Farrow from Ooltewah, Tennessee.
Third place for the men was Brady Wells from Flintstone, Georgia, and for the women was Holly Kimsey from Dalton, Georgia.
Sponsors included Gold Sponsor Happy Valley Farms, Silver Sponsor Hearth Hospice, and Bronze Sponsor APHIX.
Morning Pointe at Happy Valley, located at 2989 Happy Valley Road in Rossville, opened in 2023. The community provides assisted living and memory care services with nursing, clinical and care staff available 24 hours a day; a full life enrichment program; on-site therapy services; and specialized memory care programs such as the Best Friends™ Approach and Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care. The community’s dedication to personalized, meaningful care makes it a leader in senior living in Georgia.
Morning Pointe Senior Living operates 40 communities across five southeastern states, including two in Georgia: Morning Pointe at Happy Valley and Morning Pointe of Calhoun. To learn more about Morning Pointe and the services offered, visit MorningPointe.com.
