Brandon ’ s House 5K Run in Origin Park was a big success !
Brandon ’ s House 5K Run in Origin Park was a big success !
Brandon ’ s House celebrated with 165 people that signed up for their annual 5K run or walk held for the first time in Origin Park . This year they partnered with the BeKind Foundation ( Walker Family ) to help continue to bring awareness to teen suicide ( which is the 2nd leading cause of youth ; 12-24 years old ). As Alaina Walker , sister to Ella Reese Walker ( who took her own life in 2022 ) put it , " Your words matter and you never know what kind of impact they will have so be kind with your words ."
Funds raised from this event will go to help the increase of counseling Brandon ’ s House has been providing since moving into our new location back in June of this year . “ We ' ve had a 47 % increase over last year at this time , in the free counseling we are providing to local teens and families ,” said Wade Thaxton , Executive Director .
Brandon ’ s House currently has 19 counselors helping provide teens a safe place to be heard , find hope and get equipped for today ' s many challenges .
While lots of bird species migrate through Origin Park , one of the most spectacular is always in residence . Indiana ' s wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) is a conservation success story . Nearly eliminated by the early 1900 ' s due to habitat loss and over-hunting , the wild turkey has been restored to all 92 counties thanks to Indiana ' s program to release wild trapped turkeys .
At this time of year in Origin Park , you ' ll spot individual broods – a hen and her poults – roaming , feeding , and roosting – before congregating with other broods in large flocks for the winter season . You ' re most likely to see wild turkeys in mixed areas of trees and fields , feeding in the morning and early evening . These shy birds startle easily , so keep a respectful distance as you admire the dignified creature that Benjamin Franklin called " a bird of courage ."