2002 USATF Annual Meeting - Community Events

In addition to a week of meetings and social events at its 24th Annual Meeting, held December 4-8 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, USATF will also conduct several community and charity-driven programs. By working with and contributing to local agencies in the Kansas City area, USATF hopes to embody this year's Annual Meeting theme: "These Are The Days To Remember." Events will include:

• USATF Blood Drive - Friday, December 6, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in the Pershing Room. Elite track and field athletes will be on hand to sign autographs. Donors will also be eligible for several giveaways and door prizes each hour. Event is being coordinated by Kansas City's Community Blood Center.
• Toys for Tots Drive - A drop-off box will be set up near the Expo Area at USATF's Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, December 4-8, to receive toys or donations to assist Kansas City area youth in having a happier holiday season. This drive will be held in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps.
• Silent Auction - Several special items will be on display and auctioned off throughout the Annual Meeting week. Items will include trips to USATF National Championships; autographed items from our elite athletes, USATF sponsor contributions and more. Winners will be posted on final day of Annual Meeting. Check the website and the USATF Registration desk for a complete list of auction items. Proceeds will benefit local charities and USATF's own grass roots efforts.
• Maurice Greene Charity Bowling - Held on Saturday, December 7, this event will feature Olympian and hometown hero Maurice Greene and several elite athletes. It will team athletes, donors and youngsters together in a charity bowling tournament. Sponsorship cost is $1,000, which includes a corporate table at the Friday Jesse Owens Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies (Friday, December 6 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center). Proceeds benefit Maurice Greene Foundation, as well as the USATF Foundation.
• Community Fun Run - Held Sunday, December 8 at 8 am. This is a casual run/walk (not a race!) that will begin in front of the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. Delegates and members of the KC running community are invited to stretch their legs before the end of the Annual Meeting. Participants are also invited to bring a canned good (or two) that will be collected and distributed to the "In As Much" ministries in Liberty, MO, so those less fortunate can enjoy a warm meal during the holidays.