Wayne State University Law School’s Student Board of Governors (SBG) raised nearly $6,000 as part of its 40th Annual Ambulance Chase 5K, supporting Alternatives For Girls, a Detroit-based nonprofit that helps women and girls facing homelessness and exploitation. A portion of the proceeds will also go toward future SBG programming at Wayne Law.
The annual event brought together 44 participants and volunteers for a day of community, philanthropy, and friendly competition. SBG 3L Governor and Tax Law Society President Dilraj Preet said being part of the planning committee was especially meaningful because members help select the organization that receives the fundraiser’s proceeds.
“The SBG 5K is one of my favorite events we host each year,” Preet said. “Being part of the 5K Committee is especially meaningful because we help choose the organization that receives the fundraiser’s proceeds. This year was particularly special for me because the organization I pitched, Alternatives For Girls, was selected as the recipient. Seeing our efforts raise funds that will help provide shelter, safety, and support for women in need made me so proud of our Wayne Law community. The 5K is such a spirited and fun event to support a great cause and celebrate what we can accomplish when we work together.”
First-place finisher Alex Schmidt, a first-year student, completed the race in 19:44. Community member Matthew Nelson placed second at 20:00, followed by third-year student Paul Havern at 20:42. Havern, who won last year’s race, returned to take third place this year.
Several students volunteered during the event to help with setup, registration, and cheering on runners. “Volunteering for the run was a blast! It was a pleasure to see everybody come together and join in on something for a good cause. I’m definitely going to spread the word about the run next year!” said second-year student Malia Marve.
“The 5K is always a nice start to the school year, and a way I was able to get closer to some of my classmates when I was a 1L,” said second-year Governor Kennedy Robinson. “Coming back for the second year and being able to volunteer and cheer on everyone running was a fun experience that I will be able to reflect on long after law school is over.”
This year’s event featured new commemorative elements to mark the 40th anniversary, including additional community-donated prizes and an inflatable start-line arch that will be used in future races.
Sponsors included:
• Premier Sponsor: Sam Bernstein Law Firm
• Trophy & Awards Sponsor: JD Advising
• T-shirt Sponsors: Maddi,n Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC; Dykema; Access Lex Institute; Themis; and Barbri
• Newspaper/Advocate Advertisement: Detroit Bar Association
• In-Kind Donors: City Bird & Nest Detroit, Beyond Juicery & Eatery, and HopCat
SBG President and J.D. candidate Ryan Coker said this year’s race was an inspiring reminder of Wayne Law’s commitment to service. “This year’s race was an incredible success,” Coker said. “It’s inspiring to see our students, alumni, and community partners come together year after year to support important causes and uphold Wayne Law’s strong tradition of service.”
The annual event brought together 44 participants and volunteers for a day of community, philanthropy, and friendly competition. SBG 3L Governor and Tax Law Society President Dilraj Preet said being part of the planning committee was especially meaningful because members help select the organization that receives the fundraiser’s proceeds.
“The SBG 5K is one of my favorite events we host each year,” Preet said. “Being part of the 5K Committee is especially meaningful because we help choose the organization that receives the fundraiser’s proceeds. This year was particularly special for me because the organization I pitched, Alternatives For Girls, was selected as the recipient. Seeing our efforts raise funds that will help provide shelter, safety, and support for women in need made me so proud of our Wayne Law community. The 5K is such a spirited and fun event to support a great cause and celebrate what we can accomplish when we work together.”
First-place finisher Alex Schmidt, a first-year student, completed the race in 19:44. Community member Matthew Nelson placed second at 20:00, followed by third-year student Paul Havern at 20:42. Havern, who won last year’s race, returned to take third place this year.
Several students volunteered during the event to help with setup, registration, and cheering on runners. “Volunteering for the run was a blast! It was a pleasure to see everybody come together and join in on something for a good cause. I’m definitely going to spread the word about the run next year!” said second-year student Malia Marve.
“The 5K is always a nice start to the school year, and a way I was able to get closer to some of my classmates when I was a 1L,” said second-year Governor Kennedy Robinson. “Coming back for the second year and being able to volunteer and cheer on everyone running was a fun experience that I will be able to reflect on long after law school is over.”
This year’s event featured new commemorative elements to mark the 40th anniversary, including additional community-donated prizes and an inflatable start-line arch that will be used in future races.
Sponsors included:
• Premier Sponsor: Sam Bernstein Law Firm
• Trophy & Awards Sponsor: JD Advising
• T-shirt Sponsors: Maddi,n Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC; Dykema; Access Lex Institute; Themis; and Barbri
• Newspaper/Advocate Advertisement: Detroit Bar Association
• In-Kind Donors: City Bird & Nest Detroit, Beyond Juicery & Eatery, and HopCat
SBG President and J.D. candidate Ryan Coker said this year’s race was an inspiring reminder of Wayne Law’s commitment to service. “This year’s race was an incredible success,” Coker said. “It’s inspiring to see our students, alumni, and community partners come together year after year to support important causes and uphold Wayne Law’s strong tradition of service.”
