In service of its goal to help fund student missions abroad, Callie’s Mission will host its annual walk/run at Brookhaven Academy Wednesday.

Callie’s Mission was formed in honor of Callie Cole, who hoped to become a missionary one day.

On Sept. 10, 2009, while on her way from a Brookhaven Academy softball game, Cole was in a serious accident that would change her life forever. She spent seven weeks at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, until she was eventually moved to Shepard Center for two months.

She’d hoped to go on a mission trip to Honduras in 2010, but that was a trip she wouldn’t be able to make. In response, Jamie Gatlin, a friend of the family, decided to create a mission in her honor. That was Callie’s Mission.

The mission’s goal is to “Fulfill the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.” For this purpose, the organization raises funds to grant scholarships to help students go on mission trips around the world.

“Today Callie’s Mission has awarded 486 scholarships exceeding $439,000,” Frances Gatlin said. “They’ve traveled to 65 different countries and six different continents.”

Frances Gatlin is a volunteer with Callie’s Mission and the organizer of the walk/run. This is only the second year for the event to be held at BA, but Gatlin said it’s been going on for years. This year, the goal for the event is to raise between $5,000-$6,000.

The other big fundraiser for Callie’s Mission is Callie’s Mission Annual Golf Classic. Last year they raised $27,000 and Gatlin said they hoped to raise $35,000 this year. The event will take place April 29 starting at 9 a.m.

People who want to send donations, register for the Annual Golf Classic, or track Cole’s recovery can visit calliesmission.org.