Run in a Dress for MS

The Habing family knows the secret to creating a memorable fundraising event: put each of the participants in a dress.

The event is Run in a Dress for MS, a charity 5k and one-mile family fun walk organized by the Habing family and their friends in their hometown of Teutopolis, Illinois.

“We wanted to create a themed 5k race that would be fun and easy to remember,” explained Phil Habing. “The idea is simple and fun. Runners and walkers of all ages come out to participate, but instead of the usual running gear, everyone wears a dress to support MS.”

The 2013 inaugural Run in a Dress for MS brought in over 480 participants and raised more than $22,500 for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, earning the Habing family the title of Do-It-Yourself Volunteer of the Year.

After a successful first year, the Habing family decided to make the stylish run an annual event. On May 10 of this year, guys and girls alike slipped into their finest —and often outdated — dresses and laced up their running shoes (no high heels) for a run that was as unforgettable as it was beneficial.

“We hope people remember Run in a Dress for MS and the fun they had while attending the race, but the real goal was to shine a spotlight on the disease itself to raise support and awareness for those affected by multiple sclerosis,” said Phil.

Phil’s sister was diagnosed with MS at the age of 18, so the movement to end MS is a personal one for the Habing family. Having a loved one with MS certainly prompted their family to get more involved in helping bring an end to MS, but it was the inspiration of all those who are living with the disease that brought about Run in a Dress for MS.

“People around us with MS have shown us courage, patience and love, and we want to return the favor,” wrote the Habings on the Run in a Dress for MS website. “We need to show them we are there for them.”

It took a lot of dedication and hard work to put on the event, but as Phil told it, it was work of the best kind.

“The bond between our family and friends has been strengthened by the planning of this event as people continue to step up to the plate to help out with the cause,” said Phil.

All of their hard work paid off, bringing together nearly 400 participants for this year’s event and raising just shy of $12,000.

“We are blessed to have an awesome community of family and friends,” said Phil on how they recruit so many participants. “We were also able to attract many out-of-towners to our race as it continues to grow more popular.”

Through their efforts, Phil and his family will help advance research to improve treatment options and to find a cure.

“Be creative and work hard,” Phil advised, discussing how others can create their own successful DIY fundraising events. “You will face many challenges, so use the resources around you, and do not hesitate to ask for help from family and friends who are willing to do so.”

The Habing family looks forward to seeing what crazy ensembles participants come up with next year as word of this unique event continues to spread.

“We get a kick out of the outfits that people put together,” said Phil. “We’ve seen a ‘Runaway Bride’ theme with other family members wearing bridesmaid dresses, Cleopatra outfits, and some guys get really into it by wearing lipstick and makeup.”

To learn more about Run in a Dress for MS, visit the website at www.runinadress4ms.com.