The Klompen Classic (wooden shoe classic, but you probably shouldn't wear wooden shoes!) is an annual 5K run/walk through the streets of Pella held the evening before the Tulip Festival begins. 2008 was the fifteenth running of an event that has grown from 287 runners and walkers to over 1800. Awards are given for Overall Champion, Master's Division male and female, and first, second, and third places in fifteen age categories.

The event is sponsored by Crossroads of Pella, and is their single largest fundraising event. Founded in 1982, this local non-profit agency exists "to maintain and enhance the well-being and fullness of life of those citizens living in and around the area of Pella, Iowa by providing a first-call-for-help referral service, counseling, and development of educational and service programs that provide for unmet and emerging community needs."

That's a comprehensive list of services including abuse prevention, adopt-a-family, after school kids' clubs, child-care, counseling, financial assistance, illness support, Medicare help, parent education, preschool, toy shelf, transplant fund, the Cary Christian Center, clothing bank, coping with divorce, English language skills, food coop, furniture, groceries, household items, meals, and medical attention. The trademark of Crossroads, however, is free counseling by trained professionals.

The Weitz Company is a 153-year-old construction general contractor company in Des Moines which has done numerous projects in Pella, including an electrical substation for the city, additions and renovations to Pella Regional Health Center, the Interpretive Center for Pella HIstorical Society, and enough projects with Pella Corporation that they are in a "strategic partnership" with Pella Corporation, basically managing Pella's construction projects nationwide. At Central College, Weitz has been the general contractor for many renovation and remodeling projects over the last ten years, as well as the Vermeer Science Center (the state's first Silver Leed building - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the Central Fourth Street Housing project, and, currently, Central's new education/psychology building and the Scholte Hall renovation project.

Weitz is a company that prides itself on building relationships as well as buildings. As such, with Tulip Time approaching, and with the investment the community makes in Weitz, Weitz employees wanted to show their appreciation for the partnership with Pella by becoming part of the Pella community.

“The Weitz Company truly values our relationship with the Pella community,” said Glenda Durst, manager of business development with Weitz. “For months we explored various ways to give back to a community that has long partnered with Weitz. Supporting the Klompen Classic with Crossroads of Pella seemed the perfect way to express our appreciation since so many lives are touched by this important organization. We wanted to do more than write a check. Our people embraced the idea of participating in this event which was illustrated by the 40 people who comprised the Weitz team. That’s a testament to how much we enjoy the people of Pella.”

"Crossroads of Pella was thrilled to receive a phone call from The Weitz Company regarding their interest in supporting Pella through the Klompen Classic Run/Walk 2008,” said Julie Johnson of Crossroads of Pella and Klompen Classic Race Director. “We appreciate their generous Gold Sponsorship and willingness to bring so many people to last week’s race.”

A spokesperson for Weitz tells us that the feedback from their participants has been very positive. "Everyone loved the event and wants to do it again. There are plans already underway for next year (and strategy to involve more people)!"

Pella will certainly welcome Weitz' continued participation in future Klompen Classics, as well as local construction projects!

Marty Racheter 50708