Emmaus Main Street Partners President Gene Clock told borough council the group plans to hold a run benefiting the survivors of the March 17 fire on S. 5th Street.

Clock told council members at the April 1 meeting they plan on holding "The Emmaus Survivors Benefit Run" 3 p.m. May 11 through the borough streets. He said the run would be about two and a half miles in length.

"We want to create an event to do everything we can to help these people who suffered much loss," Clock said.

EMSP also plans to have a few bands perform, hold a raffle and have a beer truck and food from local restaurants.

"Runners love beer," Clock said.

Council members Brian Holtzhafer and Brent Labenberg were surprised to hear there would be a beer truck at the event.

"I run 20 races a year and I've never seen a beer truck," Labenberg said.

Labenberg added many runners don't bring money with them because they have no place to put it.

Clock said he is expecting more than just runners at the event who would want food and beverage and added it would be a run to raise money and not a competitive race.

"Not all of us are runners," Clock said. "I'm expecting quite a few walkers.

Council member Wesley Barrett said he supported the idea.

"It's something that could certainly raise a lot of money," Barrett said. "I think it becomes something that is more of a community event and the competitive side goes away completely."

Labenberg was concerned about how quickly the event was being planned.

"Races usually take a year to plan not one or two months," he said.

Clock admitted the event would take a lot of work, but doing something soon was important for the families.

"It's something timely that should be done," Clock said. "Those people need help now."

Council President Lee Ann Gilbert said she did not have enough information to prepare a motion at this time and asked Clock to attend the next public safety committee meeting, which will be held April 11.

Gilbert also asked him to fill out a community event form.

The council also approved an ordinance that amends all current and future ordinances to provide that any person found guilty of violating an ordinance will be assessed court costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the borough in enforcement proceedings.

The next borough council meeting will be held April 15 in Borough Council Chambers.