The Jesse James Memorial Foundation (JJMF) encourages community members to participate in the Jesse James Memorial Color Fun Run during the Chinook All-Class Reunion. Although the Color Run will take place on Saturday, July 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., the early registration deadline is June 16 so that event organizers can get an accurate count of sunglasses and t-shirts needed for all racers.

To sign up or to access registration information, interested persons should visit the Foundation’s Facebook page and then click on the Find Tickets link. Information is also available by visiting the Race website: https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Chinook/thejessejamesfunrun. Because this is a 3K race, event organizers promise there will be fun for all ages and fitness levels. Racers can walk, run or sprint their way through the course, getting various colored paints on their race shirts.

Founded in 2016, the Jesse James Memorial Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of love that Jesse Dannels exhibited during his lifetime. According to Jesse’s mother Ruth Dannels, “Jesse always believed in lifting others up with a smile and a positive attitude, and we strive to carry this legacy on. This Run is another reminder to be kind to one another.”

Because the young Dannels dreamed of becoming a special education teacher and to coach Special Olympics, those causes get the Foundation’s attention. However, the Chinook High School (CHS) Library, the Chinook Lions Swim Team, and the Blaine County Library have all been benefactors of JJMF disbursements.

According to Dannels, the Foundation has also awarded at least $8,000 in scholarships. Every year, the JJMF gives two, $1,000 scholarships to CHS graduating seniors. In order to qualify, applicants must earn a 2.5 GPA or above and write an essay in which they define what a legacy of love means to them and describe how they will use the scholarship to contribute to that legacy. The Foundation Board then meets to determine the winners. The 2019 scholarship winners were Megan Molyneaux and Lincy Johnson.

For registrations which occur after June 16, the costs will increase by $5.00. Racers who register on the day of the event will pay $10.00 more, so early registration is encouraged.

For more information, interested individuals can call Dannels at 390-1790.