Galaxy will host its annual Kirk Goodwin Run benefit dinner on Oct. 12 on the Grace Museum rooftop.

The Kirk Goodwin Run has become a beloved tradition. The run began in commemoration of Kirk Goodwin, a student and member of Galaxy in 1986, after he fell asleep at the wheel and was killed by the crash.

The Kirk Goodwin Run aims to raise funds for a certain family with connections to ACU, a student or alum, with significant debt or financial need due to unforeseen medical expenses.

“We want to raise money to help sponsor them to help them get out from under that debt,” said Reed Denton, KGR co-director, Galaxy Treasurer and senior financial management major from Belton.

Each year the social club begins the donation process with a benefit dinner, where they invite back all alumni. Usually around 50-60 Galaxy alumni make their way back to campus to attend. Denton said it is their first big fundraiser that gives donations toward the goal of the project.

“The benefit dinner is kind of a way to get funds kicked off right away and to start raising money,” Denton said. “It will just be a time to catch up. Since it’s on the Friday of Homecoming weekend, it’s kind of that first big moment where everyone gets to see everybody again.”

This year Galaxy has asked former member Guy Lewis to be the guest speaker at the dinner. The Kirk Goodwin Run’s official date is still being determined but will occur around mid-April.

Chase Rogers, KGR co-director, Galaxy Secretary and senior English education major from Arlington, said he enjoys his time spent at the dinner and the run, getting to know older members and working for a good cause.

“It means a lot to me because it means that I’m doing something good,” Rogers said. “It means that I am actually making a difference and that’s kind of cool when you know that something you do isn’t just for the name or because it looks cool, but you’re actually doing something that has weight and meaning.”