Photo: (l-r) Cadet Gill-McNeil, Commandant Michael Rice, Director LaToya Reed, Germaine Middleton-Rasberry, Carol Landrum, Adjutant General Van McCarty, Cameron Walker, Cadet Xavier Rudolph, and Deputy Director Derrek Pugh.

Vulcan Materials Company presented proceeds from Quarry Crusher Run Columbia 2019 in the amount of $30,039.80 to community partner South Carolina Youth ChalleNGe Academy.

“This donation will provide tremendous incentives for the cadets in our Youth Challenge program,” said LaToya Reed, director of S.C Youth Challenge Academy. “Our cadets will benefit so much as they move forward with education and employment. We are very grateful for this generous donation that gives our young people boost and drive.”

S. C. Youth ChalleNGe Academy is an education program designed to help at-risk teens graduate high school and pursue academic and career goals. Delivered through collaboration with the South Carolina National Guard, the program consists of a rigorous residential phase, followed by 18 months of mentoring when the student returns home. There are 68 cadets enrolled in the current session. All cadets participated in Quarry Crusher Run Columbia on March 23, 2019, either running the race or assisting as volunteers.

“2019 was a record year for the Columbia Quarry Crusher Run, with participants from thirteen states, increased sponsorships, 35% more runners over the prior year, and most importantly our ability to raise more than $30,000 for our beneficiary,” said Carol Landrum, manager of community & government Relations with Vulcan Materials Company Southeast Division. “When we looked at the core components for the SC National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy, physical fitness and service to the community were two areas that fit well with this year's race and gave the cadets a chance to give back to the community through their volunteerism and participation on race day. We wish these students success as they graduate on Wednesday, June 12th and we are proud to have supported such a worthwhile organization.”

Every Quarry Crusher Run in the national series has a community partner, with Vulcan Materials donating race proceeds to these local organizations.