Adopt a Reason to Walk — or Run — a 5K

The second annual, to raise money to support adoptive families and orphan organizations will be held Sept. 10 in Port Washington.

The goal of the event is to help alleviate the orphan crisis in the world, according to a press release from , 454 N. Milwaukee St. The event, which starts at 9 a.m., is sponsored by the Forever Families Ministry of Friedens Evangelical Church and will include a silent auction and bake sale inside the church. Food and drinks also will be available. Friedens has , members and children.

Money raised will help provide grants to families seeking to adopt children — whether international or domestic — or to participate in foster care. Those applying for grants do not have to attend Friedens Evangelical Church or be a resident of Port Washington or Wisconsin.

Last year, the event raised more than $12,000 that went to families in the process of adoption and to orphanages and orphan relief efforts in countries such as Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Romania, Uganda and Ukraine.

It's estimated there are currently about 147 million orphans in the world and only one percent of those children will be adopted, the release said. Every day, nearly 6,000 additional children become orphans.

Runners, walkers and "strollers" can follow 2K and 5K courses marked throughout Port Washington neighborhoods. Registration is $25 if made by Sept. 5, or $30 afterwards. A family registration is $50. Runners and walkers also are encouraged to gather sponsors.

Each registration fee includes a T-shirt (three T-shirts for a family registration) featuring an illustration drawn by 7-year-old Jimi Flannery, the son of Darrin and Jennifer Flannery of Port Washington. The illustration pictures Jesus overlooking the orphans of the world and declares that "God Loves Adoption (And so does Friedens)." T-shirts sold separately cost $15.

Day-of registration will run from 8 to 8:40 a.m. at Friedens, on the west side of the church on Milwaukee Street.

Auction items include: Brewers tickets, Milwaukee Bucks tickets, a ride to school in a Port Washington fire truck, lithographed autographed Packers football, Packers and Brewers gear, Anytime Fitness membership, gift certificates to Allen Edmonds and area restaurants and businesses and gift baskets.

Registration forms and sponsorship forms for runners and walkers, grant applications and posters can be downloaded from the Friedens website under the "Forever Families" tab. For more information, call 262-284-2471.