Makona Fraternity aims to fulfill $2500 fundraising Goal during McMurry’s Family Weekend

As McMurry University prepares for Family Weekend, one of the annually anticipated events on
the schedule is set to bring the campus and community together in a show of color, compassion,
and support. The 2025 Makona Flamingo 5K, hosted by Makona Men’s Fraternity, will take
place on Saturday, November 1, at Wilford Moore Stadium.

The Flamingo 5K is a 5K and Mile run where all profits benefit the Cancer Services Network
(CSN), an Abilene-based nonprofit that supports local families affected by breast cancer in 19
counties in west and central Texas. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., with the race starting at 10:00
a.m., and this year’s event promises to be one of the most spirited yet. Thanks in large part to
the strong support of local sponsors and donors who have partnered with Makona to achieve
their fundraising goal of $2500, $500 more than they raised last year! And they’re nearly there
with current sponsorships totaling over $2100!

Sponsors for the 2025 Flamingo 5K include businesses and organizations across Abilene with contributions ranging from financial support to the cause, event supplies, race-day refreshments, and even the inflatable starting line.

The fraternity has also been working with the local media to promote registration and
awareness. Leo Hernandez Garza, Eddie Garcia, and A. McKinney appeared on the airwaves on
KEAN 105.1 and 92.5 The Ranch with the help of Rudy “Fearless” Fernandez at Townsquare
media here in Abilene. The “Fearless” in his name comes from his own challenges like being
literally buried alive for a few days to raise funds and awareness for important community
causes like Drug Use in Teens. Makona enjoyed front page coverage and radio advertisements
during peak travel hours. The Makona executive team also visited the Abilene Southwest Rotary Club last
week on Tuesday October 21st at the Beehive to connect with local business leaders who share
their mission of public service.

The Flamingo 5K’s timing within Family Weekend helps make it a centerpiece of the university’s
fall festivities each year. Friday’s schedule includes event check-ins and preregistration for the
Flamingo 5K in Mabee Room A/B, while Saturday’s race will lead into a day of activities like the
Greek Life Classic Car Show, campus tailgate, and the McMurry vs. Texas Lutheran football
game. Families visiting from across and outside of Texas will have the opportunity to see
firsthand how passionate student leadership and a loving community’s sponsorship coalesce
into one event dedicated to giving back. General family weekend registration can be found here.

The Flamingo 5K will also award medals in the following categories for both races to encourage
all kinds of runners to register:
● Youth Overall Male Flamingo 5K
● Youth Overall Female Flamingo 5K
● 19-30 Overall Male Flamingo 5K
● 19-30 Overall Female Flamingo 5K
● 31+ Overall Male Flamingo 5K
● 31+ Overall Female Flamingo 5K
● Overall Youth Male Makona Mile
● Overall Youth Female Makona Mile
● Overall Adult Male Makona Mile
● Overall Adult Female Makona Mile
If you are up to the challenge of a medal or just wanna join the fight against breast cancer sign
up today at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/studentaffairs/event/makona5k25/ or contact Leo
Hernandez Garza at hernandezgarza.leo@mcm.edu. Registration will remain open until race
check-in, but T-shirts are limited, so do it fast