For many, the harbinger of autumn is a school bus rounding the corner to pick up a passel of kids. For others, the changing of the leaves is the official sign. And for a few, it’s the arrival of Christmas ornaments in the stores that ushers in the season. But for thousands of women in the Treasure Valley and across the region, fall wouldn’t be fall without the annual 3-day event for girls of all ages—the St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration!

        What started in 1993 as a road race that attracted 2300 women and girls has exploded into a three-day extravaganza encompassing a two-day Women’s Show and a 5K run, walk, and stroll for women of all ages and abilities. Today, about 12,000 women and girls participate in the event annually which makes the Celebration one of the largest all-female events in the USA.

        If you’ve lived in the Treasure Valley for even a little while, you probably already know all that stuff. In fact, you’ve most likely participated in the race and danced under the balloon arch at the finish line a time or two. You may have even put a team together and made up your own special t-shirts for the occasion. But aside from having a blast with your friends and getting in a good walk or run on a beautiful Idaho fall morning, do you know the impact that your participation in the Celebration has on our community?

        When you pay your registration fee, not only do you get a pretty cool t-shirt, but proceeds from the event go to the St. Luke’s Celebration Women’s Health Fund. Every year, this fund provides support for birth and parenting classes, car seat safety instruction, and support groups through St. Luke’s Women’s & Children’s Community Education and the Marian Pritchett School at Booth Memorial. For those who are unable to pay for these parenting classes, the Celebration Fund provides scholarships, both at St. Luke’s and at the Marion Pritchett School.

        In 2011, the Celebration Fund will provide education to new parents in the Treasure Valley to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome and other childhood injuries. Last year, of the eight children admitted to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital with Shaken Baby Syndrome, two died and the other six had injuries that have lifelong consequences. This is totally preventable with education, resources, and support for new parents and caregivers. This year’s Fund proceeds will also pay for the distribution of Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Baby on the Block materials to new parents at Boise and Meridian St. Luke’s facilities.

        So, this year, when you’re running or walking up Capitol Boulevard with your buddies and wearing your Women’s Fitness Celebration t-shirt, remember that you’re not just doing something good for yourself and your daughters—you’re helping our community.

Donna Bankhead is a contributing writer from Boise.