Racing to Give Metro Atlantans a Place to Lay Their Heads: "Race for Rest" Bed Race Benefits Recently Homeless

Atlanta, GA, August 31, 2016 --(PR.com)-- The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta is in the business of giving away beds. On Saturday, September 17, the beds will have wheels and the occupant will be helmet-clad and costumed. Proceeds from the “Race for Rest” Bed Race and 5K will go toward furthering the Furniture Bank’s mission of providing furniture to people coming out of homelessness and fleeing domestic violence as well as countless others struggling to make ends meet.

In its sixth year, the 2016 Atlanta Bed Race is a fund-raising event that benefits The Furniture Bank, the only agency in metro Atlanta whose mission is to give furniture to people in need. Provided with a twin bed on wheels, five-person race teams choose a theme and costumes; take part in the parade of beds; and then race like mad down the street and around the corner. Awards are given for “Best Costumes,” “Best Bed Decoration” and “Bed Race Winner.”

The 5k is a USATF certified Peachtree Road Race qualifier (GA15093WC), and prizes will be awarded to the top male and female runners in all age groups. Both the 5K and the Bed Race will begin and end at Central Park at Atlantic Station.

20 teams will compete in the Bed Race, and there is still ample time to register for the 5K. Entry fee for the 5K is $25 per person until September 10, $30 until September 16 and $35 on race day, and registration will remain open until the start of the race. Online Bed Race registration is available at furniturebankatlanta.org. 5k racers can register at Active.com or in store at Big Peach Midtown on September 16 from 4 to 8pm.

"We love having the race at Atlantic Station,” said Megan Anderson, executive director of The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. "The support from our community has been tremendous, and we are looking forward to a great day of racing as we work to raise awareness of our mission and the pervasive need for our services."

The Furniture Bank, in partnership with homeless shelters and other partner non-profits, assists more than 5,000 people, more than half of whom are children, every year. Funds raised will be used to help meet increased demand, specifically to cover the costs associated with picking up furniture donations and delivering furniture to clients.

Important event details:
─ Registration/Check-in begins: 6:30 a.m.
─ 5K: 8 a.m.
─ Parade of Beds: 9:10 a.m.
─ Bed Race: 9:30 a.m.

Information about donations, and registration can be found at: www.furniturebankatlanta.org. To keep up with the latest information about The Furniture Bank and its upcoming events, please follow on Facebook at TheFurnitureBankofMetroAtlanta, Twitter at @furniturebnkatl and on Instagram @furniturebankatl.org.

About The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta
The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta was founded in 1988 in response to the lack of furniture resources for previously homeless people who secure housing. In 2015, more than 4,500 people were served. The Furniture Bank is the only agency in metro Atlanta whose mission is to provide furniture to people in need. Clients transitioning out of homelessness and fleeing domestic violence as well as countless others struggling to make ends meet often spend the majority of their resources on a security deposit and first month’s rent, leaving little or no money to purchase furniture. The Furniture Bank ensures these clients and each of their children have a bed to sleep on. Furnishings provided include a table for sharing meals and a couch for relaxing. A furnished home increases a sense of ownership and confidence, benefits physical health, and helps our clients maintain stable housing, which is key to breaking the cycle of homelessness. For more information, visit www.furniturebankatlanta.org.