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Local 'Survivor' helps a worthy cause
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By MISTY MAYNARD
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While Bobby Jon Drinkard does not consider himself a celebrity after his two-time stint on the popular CBS reality show "Survivor," he is happy to use whatever popularity he has gained from the show for a good cause.
This weekend, Drinkard, whose run on "Survivor" took him to Palau first, then Guatemala, will come to Maysville to support the Buffalo Trace Children's Advocacy Center's second annual 5K Run/Walk Against Child Abuse. Also attending is Maysville's own "Survivor," Cindy Hall, who participated in the Guatemala show with Drinkard.
Drinkard said he is happy he can play even a small part in raising awareness when it comes to child abuse, and he wants people to know that help is available.
"There is a way out," Drinkard said.
Drinkard said he is drawing from the positive momentum of his "Survivor" experience to help worthy organizations.
The ruggedly handsome two-time "Survivor" alum will arrive in Maysville today and participate in the 5K Saturday morning. A Troy, Ala. native, Drinkard said he was contacted by Missy Loving, a board member for the center, regarding the possibility of his attending the event.
Loving, who describes Drinkard as a "down to earth, big-hearted man," who is always willing to help out, grew up in the same town as him, though he was several years younger. Loving said she attended church with his grandparents, and knew Drinkard's parents.
Initially, Loving said she tried to get Drinkard for last year's event, but he was unable to make it. At the time, he was in the process of moving from Los Angeles back to Alabama and had just accepted a position as admissions counselor for Troy University, from which he graduated.
When planning began for the second 5K, Loving said she once again thought of Drinkard, and called to see if he might be free.
"I'm not much, I promise you that," Drinkard said. "But anything I can do to help."
Drinkard said he is looking forward to seeing Hall again, whom he became friends with during their time on the show.
Drinkard originally applied for the show simply because he thought he could do it. He had followed the show for some time, and decided to submit an application and tape to be considered.
Drinkard said many of his expectations for the show were founded, though he admitted conditions were tougher than he originally thought they would be.
While participating in "Survivor: Palau," Drinkard said one of the most memorable moments came when he won a challenge and spent time in a place called Jellyfish Lake. The location was the only place in the world, Drinkard said, where the jellyfish do not have stingers. He said the experience was "like a dream."
In "Survivor: Guatemala," Drinkard and his cast mates spent the first couple of days on a 12-mile hike through the jungle, a trip that took an extreme physical toll on Drinkard. Drinkard collapsed as a result, and said that is the most pain he has ever felt. The lesson from the experience: Drinkard may be tough, but Mother Nature is so much tougher.
Drinkard said the favorite part of the show was meeting the different people.
"It definitely was a positive experience," he said of "Survivor." And one he would be willing to do again, should he be invited back for a third season.
Drinkard and Hall were both survivors of another kind, but their appearance at the 5K Run/Walk is symbolic of the survivors of child abuse. Funds raised from the event benefit the Buffalo Trace Children's Advocacy Center, which offers services to victims of sexual abuse.
The center offers exams for those victims, as well as a child-friendly interview room where a forensic interviewer can speak with a child. Last year the center did about 60 exams, according to information previously provided by Director Hope Price. The center serves the Buffalo Trace area.
Price said families are never charged for the exams, and sometimes the center is not reimbursed for the cost of the exams. The yearly operating budget from the state ranges around $140,000, Price said. While the center receives donations from people during the year, the 5K Run/Walk is a way to generate additional funding to help the center.
Price has said she hopes to have 200 or more participate in the event, and so far 80 have pre-registered. Price expects a number of people to register the day of the event.
Registration for the event, which is held in April because it is Child Abuse Awareness Month, begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m., with the event starting at 8:30 a.m.
Cost of the event is $15, which includes a commemorative T-shirt for registrants. Additional T-shirts can be purchased for $15 each.
New this year is a "ghost runner" option which allows people to support the event without being actually involved in running or walking the course.
The event begins and ends at Limestone Landing in downtown Maysville. The walking course is 2 miles.
Drinkard said he is eager to see Maysville and meet everyone.
"I just appreciate Maysville having me over," he said.
For more information on the event call 606-563-0572 or toll free 877-563-0572.
Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 274. |
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