Go Brief And Have Fun
Boxers, briefs & bras: Joggers strip to their skivvies for a good cause at Hot Undies Run
No pants? No problem. Drop your drawers and show your support for non-profit organizations Undies for Everyone and the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the sixth annual Hot Undies Run (August 1; 10 am-4 pm).
Houston-based Undies for Everyone aims to improve the lives of area disadvantaged students by providing an important basic need, underwear. In the Houston Independent School District alone, underprivileged children make up 80 percent of the student body. These children are more likely to be ostracized as a result of being inadequately clothed.
The Hot Undies Run has set a 2015 fundraising goal of $25,000, with every $100 providing underwear for 25 students.
At the helm of the organization is Rabbi Amy Weiss, who formed the charity in 2008 after a local social worker approached her about the issue. To date, over 140,000 pair of new undergarments have been collected and distributed, most of which are given directly to kids through back-to-school and health fairs. School nurses and counselors also assist in doling out the items.
Joggers from near and far are also doing their part to help. Each year, nearly 1,000 participants strip down to their skivvies and run their hearts out at the Hot Undies Run, which raises funds for Undies for Everyone.
The biggest supporter is FFP (Fun, Fitness and Philanthropy), a group of 14 total Houston-area social running clubs, all founded by Houston entrepreneur, Dave Lee. Through this group, Lee encourages people of all fitness levels to make running a fun part of their lives, and give back to the community.
This year, The Gorgeous Gael Irish pub in Rice Village will serve as the start and finish gathering spot for the two-mile fun run complete with pre- (at 11 a.m.) and post-party festivities boasting drinks, music, raffles, dance-offs and a group costume contest.
The Hot Undies Run has set a 2015 fundraising goal of $25,000, with every $100 providing underwear for 25 students.You can show your support by running for a good cause.
Online registration for the Hot Undies Run is currently open for individuals and teams of five. Entry fees are $50 for individuals and $175 for teams if registered before August 1, plus a suggested charitable donation.
All participants are encouraged to bring new, unopened packages of underwear (sizes 4 - 16) as a donation to Undies For Everyone in exchange for a free raffle ticket with prizes including a Yeti cooler, a bike, a one-year subscription to BirdBriefs and more.
For more information, visit www.hotundiesrunhouston.com.