CULLMAN, Ala. – Flores Eyecare hosted the inaugural Run for Good 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, June 27, with proceeds benefiting the Good Samaritan Health Clinic. The event was bigger and better than they could have hoped for, according to Good Samaritan
Executive Director Jolanda Hutson.
“The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hutson said. “One avid runner said it was one of the best courses and organized races she’s been a part of, and that she would definitely run again. A favorite moment I had was seeing all the runners at the start of the 5K race when the horn blew and just being overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude to everyone who came out to run the race in support of the clinic. And, at that moment, truly understanding the amount of time and effort it takes to host a successful well-run event.”
She continued, “I can’t thank Reed and Dr. Flores enough for all the time they have devoted to this event over the last several weeks. They have been amazing to work with, and I hope this is just the beginning of a partnership between Flores Eyecare and Good Samaritan Health Clinic that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Cullman High School Senior Reed Flores said his interest in a career in medicine and healthcare was a huge part of the planning process for the 5K, and they want to make this an annual event that continues to make an impact.
“I discussed this with my dad, so we started brainstorming an impactful and possible way to make this a reality,” he said. “When we approached the Good Samaritan Health Clinic with the 5K fundraiser idea for them earlier this year, they were immediately supportive, so we started planning. Since my dad’s office was the presenting sponsor, we got to work together a good bit, lifting a lot of the weight off my shoulders. Also, 100% of the money we raised goes toward the Good Samaritan Health Clinic.”
Reed Flores said the overall response was amazing – from all who sponsored, donated and participated.
“It was incredible seeing the excitement building up to the event and the excitement on the day of,” Flores said. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. We had so many participants mention that the course was great, the volunteers and police officers were great and the event ran very well. This was definitely a relief, because this being our first time doing anything like this, it was very stressful. Despite all the fun that came on race day, my favorite moment from that morning was easily the huge hug my mom had given me, as well as her telling me that she is proud of me.”
Hutson shared a little about what the Good Samaritan does for the community and said if all goes as planned, construction of the new clinic building will be complete mid-July with clinic moving operations in August.
“The funds raised will provide access to healthcare services for uninsured adults in our community – individuals who would otherwise go without the healthcare so many desperately need,” Hutson said. “The Good Samaritan operates as a primary care clinic providing the uninsured a full range of services including access to their own primary care provider, medications, lab draws, specialty referrals, mental health counseling, eye exams, dental extractions, hearing evaluations and social services to connect with additional resources in the community.”
The clinic is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-noon. It is closed daily for lunch from noon-1 p.m.
Good Samaritan is currently located at 401 Arnold St. NE, Suite A. The new location will be at 118 Veterans Dr. SW beside the VFW.
For questions about how to qualify, call 256-255-5963 or visit www.goodsamaritancullman.com.
If you’d like to donate or volunteer, contact Jolanda Hutson at
atjhutson@goodsamaritancullman.com.
You can also follow the clinic on Facebook and Instagram at www.facebook.com/goodsamaritancullman and www.instagram.com/goodsamaritancliniccullman.
