GREENFIELD — In its fourth annual year hosting its .5K fundraiser, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County hopes to raise $20,000 that will help foster one-on-one mentoring relationships for children in the community.

The 546-yard race, set to take place on Thursday, July 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, has checkpoints for food and beverages. Vendors include Antonio’s II Pizza & Grinders, The Brewery at Four Star Farms, Spuds with Love, Food Barn and Bagels N’ More.

“We love the western Mass. community and really want to showcase it this year,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County Marketing and Program Coordinator Noah Pfeiffer. “You’ll get to enjoy food from local businesses, support a local nonprofit and even get to hear music from some local young talent.”

The .5K began in 2019, after former Development Director Ericka Almeida read about a similar event in Texas. While she thought that one of the main draws of that event — alcohol and cigarettes at checkpoints — was inappropriate for an event run by a youth charity, she thought it was admirable to have a race that was accessible to everyone.

Pfeiffer said money raised at this event helps to support the costs associated with matching a young person with a mentor in the community. Between screening processes, background checks and trainings, a single match can cost around $2,000, they said.

According to Pfeiffer, the theme of this year’s .5K is space, or “out of this world.”

“The YMCA is going to be helping us out with some activities,” Pfeiffer said. “I’m planning on running a trivia portion. … There will also be a portion where people are encouraged to come dressed … as aliens, the moon itself, whatever strikes their fancy.”

Tickets — which cost $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 3 to 18 — and further event details are available through the Big Brothers Big Sisters website at bbbs-fc.org/events-2. Other donation opportunities will be available at the event itself.

“We’d also like to thank Franklin County’s YMCA for helping with this event to make it the best yet,” Pfeiffer said. “With their help and our new ideas to increase donations for the youth in our community, we’re feeling very optimistic.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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