Organizers of the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS), including a Half Marathon and 5k race, and a W3 Fit Kid Shuffle activity, have announced that they have distributed a total of $20,000 this year to four charity partners.

The distribution took place during the organization’s annual banquet, which was held Wednesday at the Willow Brook Golf Course, Whitewater.

According to information released by the group, the banquet was attended by race sponsors, team leaders, volunteers, and four local charities, each of which received a check for $5,000 as part of the evenings activities.

The four charities include: Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Bethel House, Whitewater LEADS, and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club.

In addition, the release noted, $260 was donated directly from anonymous individuals to the charities of their choosing on the DWS website.

As noted within the release, throughout the past eleven years, the DWS has raised a total of $274,500 for the local charities of Whitewater. 

“DWS’ mission is to make this a community event and give back to organizations that dedicate their time and support others in the city of Whitewater. I’m glad we get to celebrate the hard work of the individuals who put a lot of effort into the race. It was an honor to present these distinguished charities each $5,000 and I look forward to doing it for years to come,” DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight was quoted as saying in the release.

“This is our eleventh annual banquet and it’s always a wonderful night to get together, to enjoy our friendship and get excited for next year’s race,” Greater Whitewater Committee Chairman Crystal Singer said within the release.  

“It is great to see all of the hard work pay off on race day, from the sponsors, volunteers, and community members. It really makes the DWS a special community event,” Race Director Dawson Miller noted within the release.