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The Shamrock Shuffle 5k run/walk, hosted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Student Recreation and Wellness Center and presented by BioLife Plasma Services, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10.

The event will start and end at the Student Rec and Wellness Center, 735 Pearl Ave.

Funding great causes

Proceeds from the event benefit the Oshkosh Area United Way and the UW Oshkosh Student Veterans Association.

Aaron Kloss, president of the UW Oshkosh Student Veteran Association, said funds support veterans locally and in the community.

Proceeds are applied to outreach programs, including suicide prevention organizations and warming shelters, due to the prevalence of veterans who struggle with mental health and homelessness. Funds also will be dedicated to creation of a scholarship fund that offers a small amount of assistance to veterans and dependents who may not have education benefits remaining.

Last year, some of the Shamrock Shuffle proceeds were used to buy toiletries and personal items for crew members aboard the USS Fitzgerald, a warship heavily damaged when it was struck by a tanker.

“We were ecstatic when we learned that Shamrock Shuffle wanted to partner with us this year,” Kloss said.

Susan Panek, executive director of the Oshkosh Area United Way, said proceeds from Shamrock Shuffle support an early learning initiative that gets books into the hands of children ages five and under.

Parents receive reading tips and learn about connecting with their children through reading.

“The books are culturally sensitive and diverse; many of the titles are literary award-winners featuring characters popular with children,” Panek said.

Children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program are going to school ready to learn.

Donations fund the $40 program cost per child. Money raised through the Shamrock Shuffle will help United Way provide the program to nearly 1,200 children in the Oshkosh area.

A survey showed 73 percent of households reported reading to their child every day. Sixty percent of parents reported better understanding of the importance of early literacy and 70 percent felt the program had enhanced their child’s interest in reading.

Annual event

“The opportunity to provide a healthy alternative to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in our community, while raising funds to support the Oshkosh Area United Way and the UWO Student Veterans Association is very rewarding for the Student Recreation staff,” said Nathan Scott, director of UW Oshkosh Student Recreation. “We are looking forward to hosting the 11th-annual Shamrock Shuffle for the UWO students, staff, faculty and the greater Oshkosh community.”

The event is open to the public. Children under 14 will receive a ribbon for participating. Medals will be awarded to top finishers in age/gender categories.

Refreshments will include fruit, water, Big Apple Bagels and Cousins Subs.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to participate as teams.

Anyone with questions about forming a team is asked to contact shamrockshuffle@uwosh.edu or (920) 424-2341.

Individual cost to participate is $15, which includes a T-shirt. Individual registration goes through March 6.

By participating on a team of six or more, the $20 price includes a long-sleeve performance T-shirt with team name printed on the back. Team registration is due Feb. 21.

Race-day registration is $25 for individuals and takes place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on March 10. Charity runners (with no T-shirt) is $10.

Anyone pay​ing ​by check or Titan Dollars​ may purchase a coupon code at the SRWC Welcome Desk​. Cash accepted for “Day of Race” registration​ ​only​.

Strollers and dogs are welcome.

Register today.