Record-Breaking Turnout and Generosity at Our Lady Academy’s 2025 5K Run for Mercy

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. – Our Lady Academy (OLA) celebrated a record-breaking turnout at its annual 5K Run for Mercy this past weekend, with registration more than doubling compared to 2024. The event drew hundreds of runners and walkers to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in a powerful show of support for the school’s mission and scholarship initiatives.

Participants traveled from across Mississippi and beyond—including Michigan, Louisiana, and Arizona—to be part of the growing tradition. One runner, a dedicated supporter from Arizona, has returned year after year since discovering the race, underscoring the wide-reaching impact and strong sense of community surrounding the event.

Proceeds from the 2025 Run for Mercy will benefit the Mary Alice Benvenutti and Coach Harry Hull Scholarship Fund, which helps make a faith-based education more accessible to deserving young women. The fund honors two beloved members of the OLA family whose legacies continue to inspire compassion, academic excellence, and service.

In addition to the race, OLA hosted a community shoe drive benefiting the Mercy Cross Day Center, a local ministry serving underserved individuals along the Gulf Coast. Nearly 200 pairs of shoes were collected, offering comfort and dignity to those in need. OLA thanks all local partners who hosted donation drop-boxes, including Bay St. Louis Library, Waveland Library, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Mike Meyers State Farm, Kelly Cannon State Farm, Love’s Pharmacy, St. Vincent De Paul, Elvis Gate State Farm, and Davis Drugs/Stella Maris.

“This event was about more than just running,” said Olivia Alarcon, OLA’s Advancement Director. “It was a celebration of unity, generosity, and the mission of mercy that defines Our Lady Academy. Seeing people come together to support our students was incredibly moving.”

Our Lady Academy extends heartfelt thanks to every runner, volunteer, sponsor, and donor who helped make the 2025 Run for Mercy an unforgettable success.

A special thank-you to the event’s generous sponsors, including the families of Coach Harry Hull and Mary Alice Benvenutti, Mr. & Mrs. James Heurtin, Triton, Pearl Hotel, Gulfport Nissan, Covington Civil and Environmental, Our Lady of the Gulf, Holy Trinity Catholic School, Lightning Quick Signs, Amy Wood Properties, Chiniche Engineering & Surveying, LAMS Facility Solutions, Kane Construction, Gulf Coast Home, John McDonald Realty, The Blind Tiger, Doescher Designs, Edward H. Wikoff Architect, Edward Jones, South Group Insurance, Haas & Haas Attorneys at Law, Pirate’s Cove, Social Chair, Knights of Columbus Council #1522, Sara Kate Boutique, Kelly Cannon State Farm, Mike Meyers State Farm, O’Dwyer Realty, Pine Hill Nursery, Fleurty Girl, Splash Boutique, Midtown Pharmacy, Stella Maris, Love’s Pharmacy, Lloyd Nicaud, and Mary Bunch.