WILLIAMSON COUNTY (WSIL) -- June is National LGBTQ Pride Month and one local educator is raising awareness, while also raising funds, with a bi-county run.
Johnston City teacher Tim Kee took off from Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion early Saturday morning, following State Rt. 13 and running 10 miles to Carbondale in hopes of spreading inclusivity across county lines.
Money raised supports the Rainbow Café LGBTQ Youth Center in Carbondale, an organization Kee says has played an important role for many of his former students.
"Having a little bit of a fundraiser to try and get them funds, pandemic's been hard on everybody and particularly them so we're doing everything we can to raise money for the Rainbow Café," explains Kee.
Kee says that in planning the run, on top of the support from local leaders and businesses, several community members expressed gratitude on behalf of a family member who had difficulties finding acceptance. "I think it says a lot and I think it says a lot to the youth too that the community supports them and the community is here for them."
Several runners joined Kee, some for the entire distance, others joined in along the way. A Care-Avan Pride Drive is set for tomorrow at noon .. in Carbondale .. .
