CU Runs for Nets

On April 11, Cornerstone University hosted its first-ever Night of Nets 5K Marathon earning more funds to purchase bed nets to prevent malaria in Africa.

The race, held on Cornerstone’s campus, is a continuation of the university’s commitment to the Night of Nets campaign. Throughout the year, the university held men’s and women’s basketball and baseball Night of Nets games to bring awareness to the issue and raise funds.

Night of Nets is a campaign that seeks to end malaria, one of the most deadly diseases in the world, by providing bed nets that shield Africans from mosquito bites. The mosquito is the most common carrier of malaria. Nearly 789,000 people have been killed by malaria, many of whom are children in Africa.

For the past several years, Cornerstone students and staff have traveled to Zambia to deliver the hundreds of bed nets raised by the local events.

World Vision sponsored refreshments for the recent race and has been Cornerstone’s primary partner in funding and distribution of the bed nets.

Chip Huber, dean of student engagement, has coordinated all Night of Net efforts at CU and at multiple other schools across the country through sporting events.

“We’re excited to have provided a fun opportunity for our community to get together, get exercise and make a difference in the world,” said Huber.

Huber said the race was the largest race Cornerstone has ever held. He alone brought 14 people from his extended family to participate in the race.

The race was open to the community and the $10 registration fee earned a runner a T-shirt and bought one bed net for a child in Africa.

In May, a group of CU students, faculty and staff will deliver the bed nets to residents of Zambia.