ShawneeDispatch.com

Last weekend's first-annual Run For Mercy raised double the amount of proceeds organizers were expecting, thanks to a large turnout, widespread community support and cooperative weather.

All told, the event raked in more than $10,000 from the 412 people who took part in the 5K event on top of support from area businesses and churches to benefit Oceans of Mercy's goal of helping children in South Africa who have been orphaned as a result of the HIV virus, Shaun Colin said.

"We are ecstatic," said Colin, the organization's chairman. "We were able to get double what we expected."

The money raised from the event will go towards building a home, community center, school and clinic to benefit the orphan children of a South African village. Colin, along with members of his family, formed Oceans of Mercy with the goal ofassisting such orphans. However, Colin said he had not expected support for the cause to pour in like it has.

"Originally it (the projects) was going to be part of a 10-year plan," he said. "Right now, we are already getting what we expected to have by the ninth year, but this is only our first year doing it. With the support we are getting, there is no reason to hold back and wait all 10 years."

"It has been incredible to go there," Colin said. "We really hope by the end of the year to have built everything."

A team from Lamfer's and Associates won a special prize -- a trip to South Africa -- by raising more than $1,000 in Saturday's event, and will receive a seven-night stay.

Colin said another Run For Mercy will be organized next year and there are events that have been scheduled throughout the rest of this year to benefit the project. A three-on-three basketball tournament will be May 2 in Lawrence and a golf tournament will take place June 7.

More information about the foundation, as well as ways to get involved, is available at www.oceansofmercy.com.