Devil Mountain Run to Benefit Discovery Counseling Center

Katalyst Events, LLC has partnered with Danville-based Discovery Counseling Center as the beneficiary to the 2013 Devil Mountain Run powered by Herrmann & Cooke Wealth Management. The run returns to the streets of Danville on Sunday, May 5 after a one-year hiatus and will be held in memory of Allison Bayliss, a San Ramon Valley High School sophomore who lost her battle with depression in May 2011. 

Executive Director Kathy Chiverton says,  “Discovery Counseling Center is honored to be selected as the beneficiary of this year’s Devil Mountain Run. The support from this great community event serves as a reminder of the strong link between our mental and physical health. Today, more than ever, we understand the importance of early intervention in coping with mental health challenges. Our goal is to ensure that all in need have access to mental health services and that no one is turned away because of an inability to pay full fees. We are most grateful for the generous support from the Devil Mountain Run, which will assist Discovery Counseling Center in our mission to continue to provide resources to help our community stay healthy. ”

The well-loved race that got its start in 1978 was previously held as a benefit for Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Chris McCrary, co-founder of Katalyst Events and a Danville resident felt strongly about finding a local organization to partner with for this year’s race. “Bringing back Devil Mountain Run and keeping the fundraising dollars local to benefit our community was an important decision for us,” he says. “We focus so much of our time and energy keeping our kid’s physically healthy – yet many times we don’t focus on their emotional and mental health.  We hope that this year’s’ Devil Mountain Run will raise awareness of the struggles that our kids deal with every day and to let them know that there are resources like the Discovery Counseling Center right in our backyard.  Our donation to Discovery will be made this year in memory of Allison Bayliss.  Allison’s family has strong ties to the Danville running community. Doing something to help those who struggle, too often in silence, seemed like the best way we could honor Allison.” 

In addition to a 5k and 10k, a Kids Fun Run and Expo are also being planned. Registration is $25-$40. The Kids Fun Run is free. Registration is available online at www.devilmtnrun.com.