In today’s economy, it doesn’t take long to find someone stricken with the financial heartache caused by illness, layoff, downsizing, company closure or other circumstances surrounding a job change.  As we all know, the stress from this alone can be life changing and altering, but for some, this is just a piece to their financial hardship, as they endure even more extenuating circumstances.

Founder Shauna Vogt, realized this all too well when her husband went into work one morning only to be notified that his position was being eliminated and  soon found himself  joining the ranks of the fellow unemployed.  “We found comfort in the fact that we have an extended professional network, an amazing family, and friends that were steadfast in their support.”  Shauna started running as an outlet.  She suddenly realized how terrible it must feel to not only be dealing with the emotions behind a job loss but also to be dealing with a sick child/spouse, debt, foreclosure, lack insurance, etc.  Shauna soon realized how fortunate she was and decided to take action for the community.

Shauna partnered with Anne Toerner, Co-Founder & fellow HR Professional. Both Anne & Shauna collectively have twenty five years of Human Resources experience and have had the unique opportunity of sitting on both sides of the infamous ‘Reduction in Force’ table. “We are not sure which side of the table is worse but do know this…there is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who have experienced the duffle bag shuffle in search of greener pastures.” Shauna & Anne relate on all levels of the consequences behind a job change and/or layoff.  Due to their passion to develop the human sprit and a desire to help others, together decided to coordinate a 5k Walk/Run benefiting others in the communities impacted by financial circumstances outside their control.  After a multitude of discussions, several cups of coffee and many meetings, “Angels on the Run” was created.

The First Annual Angels on the Run 5k will take place Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 9:30am at Miami Whitewater Park in Harrison, OH.  The event is open to all ages and all fitness levels with a common goal to raise money for struggling families in the community. All proceeds will be channeled through Foreclosure Angel which in turn, will benefit a family in the Tri-State area.  Foreclosure Angel, founded in November 2008, has been featured on Oprah, 20/20, CNN, Fox News and other media outlets due to the outpouring of generosity of those that want to help a neighbor, a friend, or someone in their community to save their home from foreclosure.  To learn more about Foreclosure Angel, please visit www.foreclosureangelfoundation.com.

Both Shauna and Anne believe positive actions can be contagious, and one act of kindness has the ability to bring back hope.  With hope we can work towards building back our communities just one step at a time.

Shauna Vogt, Founder & Anne Toerner, Co-Founder

Angels on the Run