QUINCY, IL – Hundreds of walkers and runners came out for the annual Bridge the Gap to Health Race this past May. This year, the Quincy Medical Group (QMG) Healthcare Foundation’s event raised $54,250 in support of the Quincy Catholic Charities MedAssist program. A check presentation took place on Wednesday, July 10 at Clat Adams Park in Quincy.
In the 19 years since the race began the event has raised more than $840,000 for MedAssist which has been used to access more than 55,000 prescriptions at a value of $19.5 million. The program works with individuals to ensure they have access to life-saving prescription medication. MedAssist is funded solely through the generosity of the United Way, Bridge the Gap to Health, individual donations, and minimal client fees.
Quincy Catholic Charities Area Director Jackie Bruns said “Quincy Catholic Charities is pleased to accept the proceeds from the Bridge the Gap to Health race for the 19th year. This fundraiser continues to help those that suffer from chronic disease and struggle to purchase life-sustaining medications on their own,” Bruns said. “We are reminded on a daily basis how important the MedAssist Program is to the community and to those who are faced with the dilemma of obtaining their routine medications.”
Laura Tenhouse, QMG Community Relations Director, said, “It is a true testament of community collaboration to see so many individuals, businesses and organizations come together to help us put on such a seamless and successful event.”
Next year, will mark the 20th year for the event. Jennifer Sousa, Bridge the Gap to Health Race Organizer said, “We are so excited to celebrate this milestone with all of our sponsors, volunteers, and participants. This race would not be possible without all of their dedication and the support of the QMG Healthcare Foundation. I am looking forward to seeing what changes we can bring to the 20th year to add even more excitement to the race.”
Proceeds from the event come from a combination of registration fees, donations, and sponsors. Sponsors of this year’s race were Quincy Medical Group, Dot Foods, Blessing Health System, WGEM, Adams County Medical Society Alliance, Bank of Springfield, Gardner Denver, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Herald-Whig, Hy-Vee, SIU Family Medicine Center, Kohl’ Wholesale, Mercantile Bank, Quincy Catholic Charities, QMG Sports Medicine, Quincy Park District, Quincy Recycle, Quincy University, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Selby Implement, Staradio (WQCY & WCOY), State Street Bank, County Market, Townsquare Media (Y101 & Kick FM), Republic Services, and Winter’s Insurance.
Special thanks also go to Adams County Emergency Management Agency, the City of Quincy, Illinois Department of Transportation, and Missouri Department of Transportation for allowing the use of city and state roadways, personnel, and equipment.
The 2020 race is set for May 16, 2020. For more information about Bridge the Gap to Health, go to www.bridgethegaptohealth.com.