Shamrock Shuffle Builds Community, Raises Funds

Event to be held March 10th at The Square @ Union Centre

On Saturday, March 10th, the Union Centre Boulevard Merchant Association (UCBMA) will join with The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty and West Chester Township to host the 2012 Shamrock Shuffle 5K, 10K, Leprechaun Lap & Block Party. The event, presented by IKEA, Taco Bell, Chammps, Panera Bread and Uno’s Chicago Grill was established in 2005. In 2011, the event attracted more than 3,000 participants.

The 5K and 10K race will begin at 8:30AM and concludes at The Square @ Union Centre with a “Kegs and Eggs” breakfast and Block Party. At 9:30AM children ages 3-10 can participate in the IKEA Leprechaun Lap, a Children’s Fun Run around The Square. Participants can register online at www.theshamrockshuffle.com. Early bird registration is available for $25 for those who register prior to February 4th. Pre-registration after February 4th is $30. Event day registration is $35. Youth ages 5-12 cost $15. Leprechaun Lap registration costs $10.

For the second year, the Shamrock Shuffle Committee is providing a unique opportunity for businesses, schools, non-profits or charitable organizations to raise funds through the “Shamrock Gives Back” program. Participants can build a team to raise dollars to support their favorite charitable cause. Any school, non-profit, or community organization (i.e. sports team, booster, scouts program, that can be recognized as a non-profit) will have the opportunity to receive proceeds from The Shamrock Shuffle. For every 25 adults (two children equal one adult) participating on a Shamrock Shuffle Team, a $250 grant will be made to the selected cause. If your Team registers 100+, a grant equal to $10/per adult participant will be awarded. Teams can register their charity online by completing the Charity Registration Form on the Shamrock Shuffle website www.theshamrockshuffle.com. Deadline to register your charity team is February 10th.

The development of the Shamrock Shuffle was intended to build community in the West Chester and Liberty Township area. The Shuffle has grown from a community celebration and parade to its current format which includes the 5k run/walk, 10k run and Community Block Party. The event attracts participants from all over the Greater Cincinnati Area, showcasing the wonderful community of West Chester. The events success has allowed new features, such as, The Shuffle Gives Back program, to be launched. In 2011, more than $10,000 was awarded to participating charities through the Program.

For more information, including event sponsorship opportunities, visit www.theshamrockshuffle.com or call 513-874-5450.