For several years, the 5K Run/Walk for Fun during the Coating Show, sponsored by Nalco, has raised money for worthy causes, including finishing education scholarships, the 9/11 New York Firefighters Fund, and the 2004 Florida Hurricane relief efforts. This year, Nalco had committed to donating funds to help with the continued recovery of the Tsunami victims (and there will be a donation made to them); however, the focus shifted to assisting those in need from Hurricane Katrina's and, now, Hurricane Rita's devastation.

Proceeds from the event, which was held on September 21, are being donated to Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery program, which is designed to help rebuild homes in the hurricane-affected areas.

The 5K usually generates $500 to $1,000 in proceeds that are then donated. Nalco matched the proceeds from the 5K Race at 100 percent. The company also encouraged each exhibiting company and sponsoring association to do the same thing: match the proceeds from the race, up to $1,000 per company.

As of press time, roughly $7,800 has been raised, which includes race proceeds, matching funds from exhibitors, a $2,750 donation from CCAI West Michigan Chapter, and donations from attendees who visited drop-off locations while at Coating 2005.

Contributing companies as of press time include ACT Laboratories Inc., Associated Rack Corp., Chemical Coaters Association International National Office, CCAI West Michigan Chapter, CCAI Central States Chapter, Digilube Systems Inc., Nalco, and Wagner Systems Inc.

If you want to help this worthy cause, make a check payable to Habitat for Humanity Operation Home Delivery and mail it to Goyer Management Intl., P.O. Box 54464, Cincinnati, OH 45254. Contributions will be collected through November 1 when all funds raised will be sent to Habitat for Humanity.

To learn more about the Operation Home Delivery program, or to donate directly to the organization electronically, visit Habitat for Humanity at www. habitat.org.