Jump on your hog and join hundreds of other motorcyclists during CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare’s 17^th Annual Nun Run. A fundraiser for CHRISTUS School Clinics, the Nun Run will be held Saturday, October 30 starting at 8:00 a.m. at St. Austin Center (2002 S. Wayside) in Houston’s East End. The Blue Knights police-escorted motorcycle ride will end at Magnolia Gardens Park (12044 Beach St.), where participants will enjoy an outdoor finishing line party complete with food trucks, prizes and a silent auction.

The Nun Run brings the best of motorcycles and community together to support keeping children healthy. Nuns from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word – Houston, the founding order of CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare, annually participate in the run, with many of the Sisters riding along with designated drivers.

“The event is so incredibly fun, but most importantly, it raises much needed funding for so many children who are living in economically underprivileged situations and have difficulty receiving the medical care they need to get well and stay healthy,” Yvonne Mills, long-time event participant and committee member, said.

For the Blue Knights, the Nun Run is a major annual event. “We've been involved with it from the beginning and can't imagine not being involved,” Jeff Tippit, Blue Knights Houston Chapter President, said. “The Blue Knights believe in and support all activities that benefit these undeserved communities, especially the children. It allows us to service these communities beyond the law enforcement side of our lives.”

According to Tippit, the Nun Run provides an opportunity to bring together people from all walks of life that have one thing in common - riding motorcycles.  “We all come together, put away our beliefs, politics, ideas, and greet each other as family, all while helping bring vital medical services to the undeserved communities,” Tippit said. “And we enjoy having fun with the Sisters and allowing them to get on a motorcycle and ride with pride!”

Through CHRISTUS School Clinics, school children in some of Houston’s most underserved communities receive access to healthcare, immunizations, and mental health counseling during the school day, keeping children healthy and productive in the classroom.

“Annually, CHRISTUS School Clinics average around 10,000 healthcare visits to students who would otherwise not have access,” CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare President &

Executive Director Richard Torres said. “As a result, students perform better and miss fewer school days.”

Registration fee for individual riders is $30. To register or learn more about additional support levels and benefits, visit christusfoundation.org or call 713.803.1808.

CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare’s story began in 1866 when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word arrived in Galveston with a mission to heal “the sick and infirm of every kind.” In 1887, they expanded their reach with St. Joseph’s Infirmary, Houston’s first general hospital.  Today, CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare continues that original mission by providing primary care and related services to underserved and uninsured communities of all faiths, ages, and cultures in the Greater Houston and Galveston areas. Our seven programs address primary care and mental health care for children and adults through stationary clinics, mobile clinics, and school clinics, in addition to attending the physical and mental needs of Galveston’s homeless.