Warsaw, VA – On Friday, June 6, 2025, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) hosted it’s third annual Bright Futures Fun(d) Run. The run was a fundraising event to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a charity that provides free books to children from birth to age 5. To date, NNEC and its members have funded more than 10,000 books. The money raised this year will provide 1,500 books to children in the local community.
“NNEC’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities, and with every step at these runs, we did just that,” says Kyle Allwine, manager of public relations for NNEC. “We are thankful for the support from our members and excited to see the positive impact from this investment in our community.”
Nearly 150 participants, ranging from avid runners to families, participated in the various color runs offered at the event. The options included a 1/4-mile, 1/2-mile, and 1-mile run, catering to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Participants were cheered on and covered in color every step of the way.
Participants enjoyed a variety of fun activities before and after their chosen race. Old wire spools were repurposed as coloring tables, where runners could decorate their t-shirts and medals. Children had a blast in the bounce house and on the inflatable slide, while attendees of all ages explored a touch-a-truck exhibit featuring a range of work vehicles.
The touch-a-truck exhibit was made possible thanks to contributions from NNEC’s linework equipment, as well as vehicles from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Richmond County Volunteer Fire Department, and Asplundh.
“The Fun(d) Run would not be possible without NNEC employee volunteers,” says Richard McLendon, president and CEO of NNEC. “These volunteers began preparing for the event Friday afternoon, including setting up equipment at the warehouse, organizing t-shirts, prepping color stations and more.” The commitment from employee volunteers, vendors, attendees and participants makes this event a success each year.
NNEC is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit, electric cooperative serving over 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, King George and Stafford Counties. NNEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit www.nnec.coop for more information about NNEC.
