The event — an extension of the Dairy Cares of Wisconsin fundraising campaign on behalf of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin — will feature a 10k run as well as 5k run/walk. Runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course through the city of De Pere and along the Fox River, with real dairy cows cheering on participants as they cross the finish-line. Proceeds will benefit the youth patients and their families confronting health crises through the medical care provided by the Milwaukee-based health system.

Individuals interested in participating — as well as sponsors who want to support the event — can contact Chairman Mike Kuehl by email at kuehmr21@gmail.com or by phone at (920) 737-8773. To register please visit Active.com and search “Kickin’ It with the Cows”. The early bird fee is $25 with a group rate of 3 or more for $20 and children 12 and under $15. In addition to the hope and support your registration provides to Children, you will receive a Dri-Fit shirt and access to cheese, milk, ice cream, and beer (please bring your ID) upon completion of the race.

Since its inception in 2011, the Dairy Cares of Wisconsin annual garden party has raised more than $630,000 on behalf of the hospital.

“We wanted to find a fun, fresh and new way to reach out to more families,” Kuehl said. “A lot of our Dairy Cares supporters are enthusiastic runners, and we thought a fun run would be the perfect way to promote fitness while benefitting the critical health and caregiving work of Children’s Hospital.”

As the event’s name suggests, “Kickin’ It with the Cows” will feature a distinctly different flavor than many other run-, jog- and walk-events. “I can’t think of another event that welcomes its runners to the finish line with cows,” Kuehl said. “But Wisconsin — rightfully — is America’s Dairyland and we intend to celebrate that fact. This will be a new experience for both participants and sponsors.”

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin provides statewide care through 40 different locations. These various sites provide a range of specialized services, from dealing with childhood terminal illness and cancer to psychological disorders. Experts in premature birth, the neonatal intensive care unit is ranked top in the nation.

The seventh annual Dairy Cares Garden Party is scheduled for Saturday, July 22nd. To learn more, please visit www.dairycaresofwisconsin.com.