By R. Vincent Tupaz
For Variety

MCDONALD’S fictional character “Hamburgler” may have to turn over a new leaf as the franchise teams up with the Guam Crime Stoppers.
In an effort to assist the community through the Guam Crime Stoppers, McDonald’s of Guam will carry forward their annual five-kilometer (5K) run. According to McDonald’s of Guam Marketing Consultant Divina Evaristo the franchise and the community cause have “created an opportunity for you to help reduce our growing crime rate and get fit at the same time.” She added in a press release that, “By participating in an upcoming 5-kilometer walk/run, you will ultimately be contributing to Guam Crime Stoppers.
Evaristo noted that McDonald’s enjoys assisting the community and will once again help the fight against crime by sponsoring the 5 kilometer walk/run scheduled for Sat. Jan 27. Show time is slated for the Hagåtña McDonald’s. A Show time for 5:45 am is set and “Go” time is at 6:30 am.
Evaristo explained that the course is a fast, flat course and invited “those who wish to show their support in the fight against crime can pick up their registration forms at any McDonald’s store or Hornet Sporting Goods.” He asked that completed registration forms and fees be turned in only to Hornet Sporting Goods, located at Chalan San Antonio, Tamuning phone number 646-9191 by 8 pm, Friday, January 26.
Costs for single entry is $5 a group of five will cost $20. The race day fee will cost $10 per person. T-shirts will be given to the first 800 finishers and light refreshments will be served to all participants. Aside from assisting the Guam Crime Stoppers another incentive offered during the run is a Grand Prize drawing for 2 round-trip tickets from Continental Airlines, as well as numerous other raffle prizes. A side competition will provide the school with the highest pre-paid registrations $500 cash money.
Evaristo provided background on the Guam Crimestoppers.
“Crimestoppers was set up to assist law enforcement in apprehending criminals and the non-profit program is in its 22 nd year of operation chalks up its success by the number of arrests made as a result of anonymous tips called in by the members of our community who want to see a decrease in crime,” explained Evaristo.
She added, “Guam Crime Stoppers offers rewards for those whose calls have led to criminal arrests. This along with the kept promise of anonymity continues to make the local organization an effective tool in “catching the bad guys”. Guam Crime Stoppers receives its reward money from generous crime fighters in the community and fundraising events such as this. Since 1985, the program has assisted law enforcement in the apprehension of 344 criminal, recovery of over $2.2 million in stolen psroperty, over $1.7 million in narcotics and awarded over $20,000 in reward money.