BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Clarkston is a community long known for giving back and supporting many causes and initiatives.
Angels’ Place is one such organization.
A non-profit organization, Angels’ Place provides people-centered services, including homes and professional support, for persons with developmental disabilities.
Since 1992, Angels’ Place has offered a full array of services for people with developmental disabilities that nurture the spiritual, social, cultural, health, and citizenship needs for each person.
Services include providing loving and supportive care in an Angels’ Place home (21 group homes in the tri-county area), and providing assistance to families of adults and children with developmental disabilities still living at their parent’s home. Services include respite, social/recreational opportunities, vocational assistance and an artisan’s cooperative.
On Saturday, May 14, the annual Angels’ Place Race, starting at St. Daniel Catholic Church in Clarkston, will benefit the local organization.
“Let me share with you the story of my sister who is a resident at one of the Angels’ Place homes,” said race organizer and director Paul Maxwell. “Twenty-four years ago, my sister needed a safe, secure, loving environment. She had lived in an institution and eventually, a foster home. Her foster parents were getting older and could not care for her anymore. Angels’ Place stepped in and placed her into one of their homes. She now has a ‘family’ and enjoys an active lifestyle, including a daily job.
“Angels’ Place continues to work to help make a difference in the lives of people like my sister. However, Angels’ Place must raise nearly $1 million annual from individuals, businesses, foundations, and grants. Today, you can make an immediate difference in the life of the developmentally disabled individuals.”
Last year, more than $32,000 was raised for Angels’ Place.
“I personally would like thank the volunteers, especially the Angels’ Place Race Planning Committee, who year after year volunteer their time and talent to hold such a successful event,” said Maxwell.
This year’s planning committee is comprised of Charlie Caine, Rick Clark, Anne Clifton, Patty Hopcian, Shannon Keen, Maggie and Paul Maxwell, Michelle Peterson, Steve Savoie, and Andrea Yedlin.
In addition to the in-person race, there will also be a virtual option to accommodate the off-site participants.
“We are celebrating our 15th Angels’ Place Race anniversary and will be having a big celebration,” Maxwell said. “Can’t wait to see you all there in support of Angels’ Place. Thank you again for your great support.”
Event organizers are seeking both participants and sponsors for the 2022 race.
Online registration will have a $5 discount until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28 by using the code ANGEL22.
New this year is a partnership with Oakland University.
The OU Recreation and Well-Being Department is offering its first Couch to 5k Employee Program. This semester, 30 employees will be able to register for the eight-week program occurring from March 14- May 9. Throughout the program, employees will follow along with the free Couch25k app and end the program by taking part in the Angels’ Place Race.
This Wednesday and Thursday, a kickoff event for the race is at Mr. B’s Roadhouse, 6761 Dixie Highway. Dine-in or order take-out (248-625-4600 or order online at mrbsroadhouse.com). A portion of the customer’s total bill will go towards the upcoming race. When ordering, bring/mention the Mr. B’s flyer (see angelsplacerace.org).
Visit angelsplacerace.org for further information or to join the event as a sponsor.