With people retrenching because of the economy, it's even tougher for charities to raise money these days.

So the 2011 Fall Blast 5K Run/Walk isn't wavering from its goal of bringing in at least $10,000 for the nonprofit of its choice — thanks in large part to the efforts of Ephrata resident Wendy Enck, who's been race director for seven years.

This year's event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Bonfield Elementary School in Lititz. All proceeds will benefit Aaron's Acres, which serves children and young adults, ages 5-21, who have special needs.

"The last three years we have raised money for Aaron's Acres and we could not be more proud to be associated with an organization so passionate about their mission," Enck said.

Age: 35.

Family: A black Lab, Jack; and my parents, two sisters and brothers-in-law, two nieces and two nephews, who mean the absolute world to me.

Education: Ephrata High School; Towson University, bachelor's in sport management; Central Penn College.

Occupation: Physical therapy assistant at HARTZ Physical Therapy in Lititz since 2001.

The goal of the Fall Blast 5K Run/Walk: To raise money for a local nonprofit organization that directly benefits our community. October is also National Physical Therapy Month and this is a way HARTZ Physical Therapy can give back. We try to motivate people to participate even if they have never participated in an event like this before.

It is a flat course, which is great for beginners and a great way to promote exercise. We charge $20 for entry and that includes a fantastic goody bag, shirt and plenty of food following the race.

How many people usually participate? Between 300 and 400, but we are always looking for more. We also have a kids' fun run following the 5K, and last year we had 40 kids participate. We really try to make this a family event.

How the benefiting nonprofit is chosen: Every February at our staff meeting we talk about the charity we raised money for the previous October; at that point we decide if we are going to stay with the current charity or help out someone else. ... The one thing that we feel strongly about as a group is that the money we raise from this event stays in Lancaster County and helps the people of Lancaster County.

My other activities include: Being a PIAA swimming official, and volunteering whenever I can.

My unfulfilled ambition: To start my own nonprofit dedicated to screening all individuals for heart conditions. Lately, there have been too many young athletes in the news who have died from undiagnosed heart conditions. It would be great to find a way to screen these athletes. I would also like to have screening for individuals to detect aortic aneurysms.

Also, every summer I feel I would like to open a small cafe/bistro at the beach.

What I like to do in my spare time: Traveling; spending weekends at the beach; boating; Jet Skiing; trying to figure out gardening; training for open-water swimming events; and spending time with my family, who constantly make me laugh.

The music I have on my iPod: I mostly listen when working out, so anything that will get me moving — and a lot of Zac Brown Band.

Websites I frequent: Expedia or any travel site, Facebook, Active.com, YouTube.

Something about myself I'd like to change: [I'd like to] take more risks and not hesitate to go after the things I want.

Must-see TV: No one specific show, but at the end of the day I love to watch anything that makes me laugh.

Favorite vacation spots: Florida Keys; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Outer Banks.

The best movie I've seen recently: I really have not seen one lately that I can say was the best (last one was "The Smurfs" with my niece, which was cute and nostalgic), but I am really looking forward to seeing "50/50."

The best book I've read lately: "Commencement," by J. Courtney Sullivan.

People may be surprised to know that I: Was on a two-person relay team (with my boss, Brian Hartz) in June that swam around the island of Key West. Each of us swam 6.2 miles and our team actually finished first!

Growing up, I wanted to be: An athletic trainer.

Whom in the world I'd most like to have dinner with: Jimmy Buffett, who I feel took a simple concept and ran with it, followed closely by George W. Bush, especially with the recent anniversary of Sept. 11.

The historical figure I most admire: Pat Tillman, the pro football player who seemingly had it all and gave it up after 9/11 to help defend this country.

The best advice anyone ever gave me: At the end of each day think of three things that made you happy and cherish them, and think of three things you did not like about the day and try to think of ways to fix them.

It really gives you a different perspective, and gives each day more meaning.

Contact Sunday News staff writer Paula Wolf at pwolf@lnpnews.com.