SOAP LAKE — On Saturday, a 2K and 5K fun run is being held at 10 a.m. at Smokiam Park in Soap Lake. The fundraiser event is aimed at raising more awareness around Veteran’s Day, said event organizer Britton Baker.    

“I wanted to be more aware of just the daily struggles that veterans go through when they come home,” Baker said. “Everything doesn't just get better when they come home. There's still a lot of struggles with mental health issues, financial issues, and things like that. That's where I think, as a country, we can step up and show our gratitude for these people that put their lives on the line for us, we can help them when they come back (home).”   

Baker said this is the first time he has organized an event, and his brothers' service in the Navy is what inspired him to put it together. He said his goal is to raise at least $500 for the Grant County Veterans’ Services. He noted their efforts to help veterans cover expenses like rent as an example of what they do to support them.    

“I've always had high respect for our military and our veterans in this country, and as a member of the community, I just wanted to do something to honor them,” Baker said.    

He anticipates about 50 people attending the event so far, he said, and feels confident they can hit their goal. He is hopeful to make this an annual event in Soap Lake and eventually grow it into a bigger event.    

For anyone interested in attending, there is no registration, and the event is free to attend. Baker said he encourages anyone attending to bring a flag to carry while they run. At the time of press, anyone interested in donating will have to attend in person to do so. Baker said he is hopeful to get a donation link set up prior to the event. Once he is able to, it will be posted on the event page he made on Facebook.