Dashes of color flew through the air Saturday at Bushy Run Battlefield.

As part of the Grace Collective Church Colors for a Cause 5K, community members ran and walked through the state park’s fields and trees while volunteers tossed colorful powder from the sidelines. Proceeds went to Rooted Outreach, a nonprofit raising awareness for human trafficking, sexual assault, abuse and homelessness.

“To not only do the 5K for a good cause, but also get blasted with color powder, adds an extra level of excitement to the event,” said Michael Tusay, lead race organizer and Grace Collective volunteer.

Rooted Outreach was founded in 2019 by Kyrstal Novak, a member of Grace Collective. In addition to hosting free educational sessions on human trafficking, Rooted Outreach seeks to address as many areas of need within Westmoreland, Allegheny and Cambria counties as possible.

“If there’s a need, we want those needs to be met,” said Novak, of North Huntingdon.

For example, Novak said the nonprofit donates blankets to homeless shelters and clothing to hospitals so that patients have something to wear when they are discharged.

Lead pastor Rich Phipps said Grace Collective, in Irwin, has supported Rooted Outreach ever since the church formed a year and a half ago.

Phipps, of Manor, said Rooted Outreach was one of the first community organizations that Grace Collective supported.

“(Rooted Outreach) is so practically minded,” Phipps said. “(We want to support) anything we believe God is working in … and we’re watching God move through that.”

Tusay, of Irwin, said one goal of the race was to reach out to the community. He saw Rooted Outreach as the “perfect fit.”

“When (people) hear about human trafficking … there’s kind of a detached sense,” Tusay said. “I think the point of assisting Rooted Outreach is to bring this (issue) to their attention.”

Novak emphasized the importance of educating the community about human trafficking and sexual abuse.

“If we can empower people to know they can make a difference just by reporting (an incident)… they’re more inclined to do something to help save someone,” Novak said.

Kickstarting at 10 a.m., the race garnered 85 volunteers and over 170 runners and walkers. Award categories included overall female and male, as well as female and male 14 years of age and younger.

After the race, participants enjoyed beverages and food from the snack bar and a booth set up by Kentlee Coffee, a cafe located in Greensburg. Rooted Outreach also arranged a tent at the event.

Event organizers were hopeful the race would raise $5,000 for Rooted Outreach. Official totals were not yet available.

Since 2020, Rooted Outreach has donated 4,320 items to the community, including clothing and blankets. Novak said it is the generosity of the community and Grace Collective that makes these efforts possible.

“We’re extremely grateful and thankful because we couldn’t do what we do without churches like Grace Collective,” Novak said.

Phipps said the race was not about Grace Collective, but about helping a worthy cause.

“We believe this is an issue Jesus cares about,” Phipps said. “As his followers, we should do something about it.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)