Perry Lutheran Homes’ inaugural “Run Through Time” event was held Saturday morning, and though attendance was lower than what organizers hoped, they felt it was a success and something to build on.

PLH Director of Development Wanda Pritzel said there were around 70 participants in the 5K run/walk, ranging in age from 10 to 60-years-old. Also, there were about a dozen kids who participated in the Decade Dash, and several others who showed up for games and entertainment. All total, Pritzel said they managed to raise around $12,000 for seniors in Perry. She felt it was a good start for what will become an annual event, but adds they’re looking for ideas on how to make it better next year.

Pritzel said there were several great moments from the day, but one that stood out to her was when Colleen Bice, a resident of Spring Valley who loves to dance, invited Calvin Sass to dance with her, as the 17-year-old Perry High School Cross Country runner taking part in the 5K was finishing his run. Other highlights included: the 1928 “pace car,” which started the race; some competitive games of “corn hole” hosted by Spring Valley residents; a community performance of the “Hokey Pokey”; and a presentation on Perry jazz musician Roy “Snake” Whyte.

Additionally, Tina Haglund and Jill Anderson were named the best dressed team, as the pair was decked out in Metallica threads, while “Team Run Free” from Adel was declared best overall team. They had carts designed for runners to push disabled children through the route. Both teams were given awards for their efforts.