Skagit Valley Family YMCA Hosting Chris Mang Memorial Fun Run & Walk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 10, 2023 

CONTACT: Skagit Valley Family YMCA – Kat Lohman ([email protected]) 

Skagit Valley Family YMCA Hosting Chris Mang Memorial Fun Run & Walk 

SKAGIT COUNTY, WA – The Skagit Valley Family YMCA and Mang/Glesne Family are excited to announce the Chris Mang Memorial Charity Fun Run and Walk, taking place on May 13, 2023 at the Skagit Valley Playfields in Mount Vernon. 

The celebratory 5k and 1 mile fun run and walk is open to people of all ages and abilities. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3m17IxH  

Over 70 participants participated in the 2022 run/walk. Unique to the event was the option for friends and family members to complete the race virtually – a component of the event that will continue again this year.  

New this year is the addition of a pre-event celebration on Friday, May 12 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Sedro-Woolley Rec Center (802 Ball St, Sedro-Woolley). This celebratory social is open to people of all ages and abilities; food, games, prizes, and more are all on deck to kick off the weekend. 

Chris Mang, who passed away in 2018, was a longtime participant in Special Olympics and was a positive force for good in the Skagit community. Known for his big personality, Chris was driven by a love for the many people in his life and had a passion for helping others – he was a friend to everyone he met. He loved music and movie trivia and enjoyed karaoke with friends. As Chris often said himself, he was a “Renaissance Man:” full of life, complexity, and a great sense of humor. 

“We appreciate this opportunity to partner with the Skagit Valley Family YMCA in honoring Christopher’s legacy of love for children and those in need by raising funds to support programs that benefit both within the community,” shares Susan Glesne, Chris’s mom. 

The Chris Mang Memorial Fund supports recreational programming and helps purchase equipment to benefit underserved youth and families as well as those with special needs in the Skagit Valley. Presently, the fund is helping: 

• Purchase gift cards, vouchers, and holiday presents for youth experiencing homelessness at the Oasis Teen Shelter. 
• Invest in Special Olympics Pickleball and Swim Team hosted at the Y by paying rental fees and covering supplies such as life vests. 
• The fund also previously supported a gift to the Cascade Landing project through Community Action of Skagit County, which provides affordable housing to young families, workers, seniors, veterans and others. 

“We are honored to partner with Chris’ family and grow the impact of the Chris Mang Memorial Fund,” shares Kat Lohman, Executive Director of Social Impact at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, “and we invite the community to run, walk, and celebrate in his memory each year!” 

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The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is a cause-driven organization focused on three key areas: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We believe a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Our Y programs, services, and initiatives enable youth to realize their potential; offer families ways to have fun together; and empower people to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit. Our doors are open to all walks of life in our community, and we are continually striving to foster social responsibility and equity in our community.