Buck 10 held at Chillicothe Correctional Institution raises funds for Buck 50

CHILLICOTHE — The second annual Buck 10 run was held inside the Chillicothe Correctional Institution on Sept. 20.

Over 300 incarcerated individuals signed up to run or walk in this year’s event. CCI’s Helping Hands group donated $10,000 to the Buck 50 Organization with that money allocated to benefit the Ross County M.A.D.E. (My Attitude Determines Everything) Chapter of the Drug Free Clubs of America.

The incarcerated individuals at CCI have embraced a mission of reaching the youth of Ross County who have been impacted by substance abuse. Many of the men at CCI have been negatively impacted by substance abuse and want to do their best to prevent Ross County’s youth from repeating those mistakes.

Last year's defending champion, CCI’s Activity Therapist Joe Jinks was unable to participate this year, which meant the field was wide open for competition. Tim Gardner, a nurse from Ross Correctional Instituation, represented staff and finished the run in 47:09:60.

The top finishers for the event were as follows:

• Jamie Burkett 40:46:20
• Christopher Horton 41:39:10
• Elige Baker 43:45:40

CCI’s Helping Hands Group are the driving force behind this event. Group President Christopher Summers said what he appreciates most about the event is “everyone coming together for a good cause and hopefully it will impact the young and keep them off drugs."

Helping Hands has set the goal of raising more than $35,000 dollars for the Buck 50 in 2025 and have their hopes set on becoming the leading donor for the event.

Helping Hands Director of Fundraising David Duke saod this goal is important because “the money that we raise, we believe goes to a good cause to keep teen off drugs and hopefully it breaks the cycle. Our goal for 2025 is to be the largest donor to the Buck 50."

Also on hand for this year’s run were Aaron Landrum and Eric Landrum representing Hank FM 100.9 Radio. CCI’s Deputy Warden of Special Services Clark Goble said about the event, “It’s important that our community sees the good work the staff and incarcerated persons are doing. These men will someday be released from prison and the more invested they are in our community, the better chance they have of experiencing success upon their release.”

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Buck 10 held at Chillicothe Correctional Institution raises funds for Buck 50