Westlake employees and family members participated in the 46th Annual Lake Oswego Lake Run benefiting Northwest Housing Alternatives on June 5th. After a two-year hiatus due to covid, the organization brought back its popular in-person event. The in-person and virtual event featured a 5K walk/run, Kid’s Dash, and challenging 10K run – known for its hills and beautiful views.

While most of Westlake’s team participated in the 5K walk/run, Westlake’s Blake Schimke ran the 10K. “My favorite part was going downhill. The uphill was brutal, and I ran cross country for four years,” he said while laughing. Despite the grueling course, Blake says he’ll do it again because it’s fun and for a great cause. “Everybody needs a place to live and having access to affordable housing is really important. Partnering with organizations that provide these services, like Northwest Housing Alternatives, is good community. It gives people opportunities, a sense of stability, and increases pride where we live.” Following the race, attendees enjoyed the Lake Run Festival complete with a variety of vendors, games, food, and a beer garden.

Meghaen Anderson of Northwest Housing Alternatives says this year’s event was a huge success – raising over $112,000 in proceeds. “This year we had more sponsors than ever, and the Lake Run Festival nearly doubled in size,” she said. Money raised will be used to support resident services for families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in their affordable housing properties in Oregon including the Annie Ross House – Clackamas County’s only emergency shelter for families.

Westlake’s team is proud to sponsor the event for employees and was also a corporate t-shirt sponsor for this year’s fundraiser. Our team had a great time cheering one another on and we look forward to participating the Lake Run for years to come.