The inaugural Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run in Las Vegas on the second day of ISC West raised more than $30,000 to benefit Mission 500, a charitable organization engaging security professionals to sponsor children in need through the World Vision organization.

Proceeds from the March 25th event will sponsor 90 children for a full year - providing food, water, education, healthcare and most importantly, hope. Event proceeds increased the number of sponsored children to more than 360 total. The first-ever Security 5K event also kindled many colorful stories and highlighted the great sense of community and generosity of the security industry.
Despite having little time to prepare, event organizers were overwhelmed by support from across the security industry. More than 312 runners registered for the event, and about 250 ran. Registrants included 65 female runners, and participants hailed from 12 countries and 37 states. The youngest runner was 20 and the oldest 68. First place overall female runner was Karolina Orton of Reston, VA. (21:18.00), and first place overall male runner was Eric Chabin of Chanhassen, MN. (18:31.00).

"As security industry professionals, we can leverage our resources and relationships to make this world not only a safer place to live, but also make an ever lasting impact on individual lives and communities across the globe," said race participant Liz Cohen. "Thank you so much for re-energizing my faith and belief in humankind." Runner Mark NeSmith added, "I was proud to see this many participants, but I know it will be at least double or triple next year."
A testimony to the success of the event is that six of the total of seven sponsors in 2010 have renewed their commitments to support the 2011 Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run, already scheduled for April 7, 2011, at next year's ISC West in Las Vegas. Alarm.com also committed itself to sponsor the 2011 event and discussions are under way with numerous companies who expressed interest in adding their support to the event.

"The Security 5K was one of the most exciting and rewarding events that we've held in conjunction with any of our trade shows at Reed Exhibitions," said Amie Cangelosi, Marketing Director of the ISC Events. "Our ISC staff felt fortunate to be a part of something that will affect so many lives in a positive manner."
Freeman, contractor of services to ISC West and its exhibitors, waived staff costs and fees for using audio-visual equipment during the 5K race and the awards ceremony. "It's the least we can do and a very small contribution," said Stephen Hagstette Jr., Freeman National Accounts Manager. However, George Fletcher, Advisory Council Member/Volunteer, Mission 500, noted that the "small contribution" will equate to food, clothing, healthcare and education for three children for a full year! "It's easy to contribute, and it can even be done by 'gifting' services," Mr. Fletcher noted.

At a Reception and Awards Ceremony for Security 5K runners, Mission 500 awarded its first "Mission 500 Humanitarian Award" to Alan Forman, President of Altronix Corporation. The award honors individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need. "Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice," said Mr. Fletcher, quoting Nelson Mandela as he handed the award to Mr. Forman. "It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life." Mr. Forman reminded everyone how fortunate they are to be in a growing industry and stressed the need to become engaged in some way in social justice.
More than 70 of the runners also set up fundraising Web pages and added more donations to help the cause: Jim Hoffpauir of Zenitel USA was top fundraiser with $2,220, followed by Mark Pickett with $1,805 and Caleb Simonyi-Gindele with $1,095.

 
Other race winners in various age categories included Lori Walker of Orem, Utah (23:26.00) among females ages 20-30, and David Paul of Ft. Collins, Colo. (19:50.00) among males ages 20-30. Alison Slavin of Vienna, Va. (23:16.00) was fastest among females ages 31-40, and Ken Zemach of Sioux Falls, S.D. (19:16.00) was fastest among males ages 31-40. Martha Entwistle of Yarmouth, Maine (25:20.00) won the race among 41-50-year-old females, and Eric Taylor of Pacheco, Calif. (19:03.00) won among males ages 41-50. In the 51-plus age categories, Leslie Baker of Woburn, Mass. (29:25.00) won among females and Alberto Penaranda of Caracas, Venezuela (22:10.00) won among males. Louise Nesterenko of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, participated in the race despite having a broken knee-cap that was wired - and finished in 39:20.00 minutes.
The Security 5K / Mission 500 Race at the 2010 ISC West Expo in Las Vegas is a collaboration between United Publications, publishers of Security Systems News and Security Director News; Reed Exhibitions, proprietors of ISC Expos; and Mission 500. Charter sponsors are Altronix Corporation, AXIS Communications, Deister Electronics, HID, LRG Marketing Communications, Morse Watchmans and Safety Technology International, Inc.

See a brief video presentation of the race at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fS6v0utNN0