Katy Bubble Run organizers announced via an Oct. 6 press release that the event will move forward as a virtual run on the RunSignUp online platform this year. The annual event raises money for local charities and is a significant event for those organizations, representatives said.

“The Ballard House is so excited to be able to partner with these other local Katy charities to hold our first ever Virtual Bubble Run on Nov. 21 through Dec. 1,” said Ballard House Executive Director Kathy Alt.

The Ballard House is just one of the nonprofits to benefit from the fun run. Katy Christian Ministries, Christ Clinic, Compassion Katy and Hope Impacts each receive proceeds from the event each year. This year, the nonprofits are projecting that about 1,000 athletes in the area will participate in the event.

The Ballard House provides lodging for patients who have traveled to area hospitals to receive life-saving care. Katy Christian Ministries provides counseling for families in crisis, aid to domestic violence victims and food pantry services. Christ Clinic allows low income residents in the area to receive low-cost health care. Compassion Katy coordinates social services with other nonprofits for economically challenged families. Hope Impacts works to help those dealing with homelessness or near-homelessness.

Local nonprofit leaders have said raising funds has been really difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic and many of the annual events they depend on for funding have had to be cancelled or reimagined as virtual events. Those virtual events have not been as fruitful as the in-person events they usually have; however, the needs of their client-bases have been exacerbated by the pandemic setting them up to need additional support from the community.

“We ask that you encourage your friends, families and local businesses to create a team and support these worthy causes. Run In Your Own Bubble,” Alt said.