RUN FOR RICHÉ 2017

This is the official website for the 2017 Run for Riché 1 mile Fun Run and 5K. This event is the Senior Project of Austin Etier and will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 9:00 am at the BREC Highland Road Park. All proceeds will be donated to the Ozark for All Noah Riché Memorial Scholarship Fund!

Home: Welcome

BIO

My Story

My name is Austin Etier and I am organizing a 5K and a 1-mile fun run for my senior project. The purpose of my senior project is to help better my community and learn about the responsibilities that are required to lead an event of my choosing. After creating and hosting this event I receive a grade that affects my final grade for my school year. Needless to say, I cannot graduate without completing my senior project. Except there is more than just a grade that is motivating me to host such an event.
I have attended an amazing summer camp called Camp Ozark located in Mount Ida, AR ever since I can remember. This camp has done so much for me by lifting me up in a spiritual and emotional way and has encouraged me to be the best ME that I can be. Through this experience, I met a great man by the name of Noah Riché. Through his example and guidance, he helped me grow closer in my relationship with Christ and ultimately became my friend. He showed me that as a college student, you can live for Christ, giving everything you have 100% of the time. On August 14, 2015 leaving Camp Ozark after serving for weeks during the summer (and ending his summer at Ozark for All), Noah was tragically killed in a car accident. He was headed to his next stop.... a Mission Trip. Upon hearing this news, I was immediately swallowed up in grief and sorrow.
Not long after, the Noah Riché Memorial Fund was created within the Ozark for All Foundation. Ozark for All and Camp Ozark was something Noah invested so much time into. I saw an opportunity arise. I wanted to help raise money in Noah’s name. So, I came up with the Run for Riché 5K project. For more information regarding The Ozark Foundation, please visit:
http://campozarkfoundation.org/content/foundation

Home: Bio

ABOUT THE 2017 RUN FOR RICHÉ

Passion. Persistence. Perseverance.

The 2017 Run For Riché is dedicated to raising funds for The Ozark Foundation, specifically the Noah Riché Memorial Scholarship for Ozark For All. The mission of The Camp Ozark Foundation is to facilitate the emotional and spiritual growth of children and youth, regardless of wealth status, through the provision of a Christ centered, values-based summer camp experience and year round ministry and mentoring.
In partnership with urban schools, churches and charities, Ozark for All seeks to provide under-served children with an incomparable camp experience. Ozark for All is a “joint venture” between the Camp Ozark staff, alumni, parents, friends and the individual child. While providing an incomparable summer camp experience, the vision of Ozark For All is to compliment and partner with effective organizations that seek to break cycles of poverty through year-round programs that empower children. In many cases, these partners say that Camp Ozark is the highlight of a child’s year and that a scholarship to Camp Ozark is an effective reward for consistent engagement in their programs. In addition, the Camp Ozark Foundation assists in developing parameters for rewarding scholarships based on academic effort, behavior, community service and program participation.

Home: About

ABOUT NOAH

Each fall, Camp Ozark undertakes a difficult task: to find, recruit, and hire young men who possess the above attributes, and who can serve as impactful, meaningful role models for our male campers. In Noah Riche’, Camp Ozark found just such a man.

A track athlete and engineering student at Louisiana Tech, Noah began his time at Camp Ozark in 2012, serving as a counselor for the full summer. Noah was a standout cabin counselor and staff member, and the impact he had on those around him – both camper and staff – was undeniable. As his passion for Tribal Competition (and all things Caddo) became clear, Noah was selected to be the Caddo Chief during Ozark for All. Finally, in recognition of his excellent work, his leadership, and the impact and positive influence he had on his campers and peers, Noah was recognized as Camp Ozark’s 2012 Male Rookie Counselor of the Year. Noah returned in 2014 as a counselor for two sessions, and in 2015 as a member of the Camp Ozark Top Staff for the last part of the summer and for Ozark for All, again serving the campers and staff with enthusiasm and a heart for God. Noah was bold and unafraid in his faith, always ready to give praise and thanks to God, to encourage others, to live his faith out loud and unashamed. No one who met Noah could fail to note his love and passion for the Lord, and his desire to follow Christ. As a college athlete, Noah was also an example of hard work, dedication, and resilience. He poured himself into Tribal Competition, challenging his fellow Caddo to always play with never-ending effort, to never let up, and to compete with passion and integrity.

As someone who loved children, Noah had a great impact and influence on those kids in his cabin and on his Tribal Competition teams. Noah was goofy and fun with his kids, full of energy and leading them on many adventures! But at the same time Noah challenged his campers, he worked with them to improve their faith, he helped them through their struggles, and he loved them without fail. Even after they had left Camp Ozark, Noah would call or write his campers, continuing his work of encouraging them to grow in their faith.

Finally, Noah had a deep love for those children less fortunate. Noah was passionate about Ozark for All, and had a genuine talent for working with under-served children. He often spent time helping kids who were struggling socially or behaviorally, and who perhaps lacked positive role-models back home. Noah encouraged these children, challenged them, and loved them unconditionally. And at all times, Noah spoke of the love of God and tried to help these children understand their value and worth in the eyes of the Creator. The impact and influence Noah had on many of these kids is immeasurable.

Many people are very proud and thankful to have known and worked with Noah Riche. Because of his passion and commitment, his love of God and his genuine desire to serve others, the lives of many campers and staff were impacted and influenced. His undeniable love for God, his unbridled enthusiasm and zest for life, his deep passion for serving others…these things make up the legacy of Noah Riche’ at Camp Ozark. If you wish to contribute to the Camp Ozark Foundation in honor of Noah Riche’, please use the link below. All donations will go towards providing an incomparable Camp Ozark experience for an under-served child.

Donate to the 2017 Run for Riché

Home: Bio