HATFIELD — Mental health organization Hatfield Embraces Acceptance and Dismantles Stigma (HEADS Up) will host its third annual Water Palooza fundraiser Saturday.
The route will start from 39 Main St. on the lawn by the Hatfield Public Library at 9:30 a.m. and go around the center of town. Participants can walk or run the 2-mile route, during which they’ll be able to play with water balloons, slip ‘n’ slides and water squirters. This year, participants will also be able to do a color run and get doused in bright, colorful powder.
“The event is meant to be family-friendly,” Shawn Selby, treasurer for HEADS Up, said. “We want it to be accessible and fun for everyone.”
According to its website, HEADS Up formed following a teenager’s suicide in 2016. After this, school officials and other members of the Hatfield community held a forum to support grieving families and to provide them with resources. Following this forum, nine people decided they wanted to keep promoting mental health awareness in Hatfield and formed HEADS Up. Now, there are around eight active volunteers, Selby said, and this year it became a tax-exempt nonprofit. The organization hosts speakers and holds film screenings that address mental health issues.
“This event isn’t just about raising money, but awareness, too,” said Selby. “This year, we’re especially trying to appeal to teenagers with the color run. Teens experience a lot of anxiety and depression, and we want to be able to educate people as much as possible.” Selby said that along the route there would be educational signs promoting mental health awareness.
People can register for the event at runreg.com until Friday at 5 p.m. or the morning of the event at 9 a.m. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $25 for families.