OEN Member NewsHundreds run the 2018 AWS Elemental 4K 4Charity in honor of Sam Blackman (Portland Business Journal)

Nearly 1,000 people gathered at the Portland waterfront Wednesday for the annual 4K 4Charity run organized by AWS Elemental.

This year, the event was designed to honor the legacy of AWS Elemental co-founder and CEO Sam Blackman. Blackman died unexpectedly last summer at the age of 41. Blackman was an fierce advocate for Portland and saw community involvement as a key value for his company.

The event had 923 registered participants. The preliminary count for funds raised is $113,195, according to the company. That number could grow as more donations come in through the end of the week. The company has been organizing 4K charity runs since 2014 and the events have raised nearly $800,000 to date for non-profits focused on advancing equity. The events are held in Portland and in conjunction with industry conferences held around the world. The proceeds always go to a charity working in the community where the race is held.

In Portland proceeds from registration and T-shirt sales go to Rosemary Anderson High School and KairosPDX. RAHS is a community-based alternative high school and provides education access to students who have been expelled or dropped out of public high school or are homeless. The 4K 4Charity event has raised money for the school’s technology literacy and computers program for several years. KairosPDX is an education nonprofit that supports families and early learning in underserved communities.

“We are deeply appreciative to all sponsors and individual supporters of the 2018 4K 4Charity Fun Run PDX and their passion for advancing equity,” AWS Elemental said in a written statement. “It’s fantastic to see everyone come together in support of Rosemary Anderson High School and KairosPDX and their important work in providing underserved young people access to quality education and to building a stronger Portland. We thank you for carrying the torch forward for Sam Blackman, co-founder of AWS Elemental and the 4K4C run, and his commitment to our community.”

AWS Elemental CEO Sam Blackman’s team started hosting these races at different industry trade shows. In each city the company would select a charity to donate proceeds. Blackman was proud to bring the race to Portland.

Source: www.bizjournals.com