Ann Fournier hurriedly processed registrations and confirmed the new course for the Padanaram Village 5K on October 15. Now in its sixth year, the road race was redirected down Gulf Road, west of the Padanaram Causeway due to its closure.

The 5K attracted about 80 participants, whose $25-30 entrance fee went toward the Rochester-based nonprofit hosting the run. Mission to Liberia has been helping to bring schools, hospitals, and clean water to the west African country since 2005.

The race typically brings in about $3,000, which goes a long way due to the all-volunteer-based staffing, said Fournier, the organization's board chairman. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the cause, she said, adding that it costs about $2,000 to build an entire school.

“Most [Liberian] children didn’t wear shoes, and disease was getting to them through their feet,” said Fournier.

The nonprofit’s Director of School Relations Mike Cambra works to increase statewide fundraising and educational opportunities. He said that currently, several sixth-grade classes in Taunton, Barnstable, and Lincoln have “adopted” a village in Liberia, and raise money for building supplies through flea markets and bake sales.

The charity originally helped buy and ship needed goods to Liberia, said Cambra, but quickly shifted to its current fundraising and service learning model due to high transportation and shipping costs.

For more information about Mission to Liberia, visit missiontoliberia.org.