Creighton Alumni Homecoming Weekend kicked off to a great start as thousands of alums participated in organized events and parties.

Hundreds descended upon Creighton’s campus to register for the 11th annual Jaywalk 5K/1 Mile Fun Run. The walk/run is Creighton’s annual fundraising event hosted by the Creighton Students Union for the Jesuit Academy.

Jesuit Academy provides quality education to boys in grade fourth through eighth in the north Omaha area. They provide their students with an educational experience that challenges them spiritually, academically and socially.

Originally, the JayWalk began as an event to recognize the Jesuit relationship between Creighton University, Creighton Prep and the Jesuit Academy. Since it started, the JayWalk has raised more than $70,000 that has helped provide new facilities and scholarships for the students at the Jesuit Academy.

Students, non-students and alums alike all participated in the walk/run. Katy Venditte, a 2012 Creighton graduate ran at the event, which raised around $8,500.

“I think it’s really cool that we have events like this that can benefit kids in Omaha,” Venditte said. “I like to run and stay in shape so this is a perfect way to be able to contribute what I can.”

The race began at Deglman Circle on 24th street and looped three miles around campus.

Creighton junior Audrey Futryk also participated in the race and was able to experience the event as a student.

“I’m a big runner so this was something I thought would be fun to do,” Futryk said, “I’m not from Omaha so I don’t know much about the Jesuit Academy but I think it’s awesome that the money from this goes to kids in need.”

After the race, there was a pancake feed in the Skutt Student Center, where items such as a $100 Midtown Crossing gift card were

raffled off.