By Sthefany Flores
Gardner-Webb University’s Release the Captives (Release) will host its annual Rescue Race September 16 at 9 a.m.
“The Rescue Race is a 5K benefitting Challenging Heights in Ghana,” said Sarah Grace Moxley, president of Release. “They are rescuing enslaved children near Lake Volta.” She explained that Challenging Heights rescues the children from a legal standpoint.
Moxley said, “Prior to 2011, child trafficking wasn’t illegal and Challenging Heights became a major factor in changing that.” She said that the funds from the race will go toward the rescue fund of three children. The fund will help them enter a rehabilitation center with emotional and psychological therapy and a school for 6-9 months.
According to Dr. Paula Qualls, professor of religion and faculty advisor for Release, the event began with Mariah Case (’17), a divinity student. Qualls said that one of the projects in her class was based on community service.
Qualls said, “Mariah was in the Old Testament Prophets class. The prophets are all about social justice and I wanted [my students] to emulate that. [The Rescue Race] started with one person having an idea [but] not knowing if they could do it.”
Moxley said that last year, the Rescue Race raised $2225 through the participation of 113 people. So far there are 137 people registered for the 2017 race. Registration will continue through the day of the race.
For more information about Release the Captives, contact Sarah Grace Moxley at [email protected].
