The memory of Ella Formby is the driving force behind a relatively new organization that aims to ensure children find Christ.

Saturday Ella’s Light Ministry held a free event at Jack Read Park in Picayune, which featured not only 5K/10K/ and a one-mile races, but plenty of activities for children.

Fun jumpers, face painting and fingernail painting were just some of the activities offered.

Ella’s father, Lourie Formby, said the organization is comprised of a 15 member board of directors that raises funds to help churches in three states have the money and assistance they need to hold summer Bible camps and other events geared towards children.

“The ultimate goal is to bring children to Christ,” Lourie Formby said.

The organization was formed shortly after the death of Lourie’s daughter, Ella, who died as a result of an accident caused by a drunk driver in January of 2013.

So far the organization has been able to raise $100,000, which has been used to help 21 churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Lourie Formby said their new goal is to branch out into the states of Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee by next year.

After the 501c3 organization was incorporated in March of last year, the group spread the word by approaching churches to let them know assistance was available. Lourie Formby said after the first seven or eight churches were helped, other churches started approaching Ella’s Light Ministry for help.

Saturday’s event was funded with donations, which made all of the attractions free to attendees, said organization member Karen Miller. Activities and events included fingernail painting, a silent auction, raffles, a lemonade stand, antique car and truck show, fun jumpers and a rock wall.

Earlier in the morning the event featured the races, in which Miller estimates about 140 runners participated.

Money raised from the event will go into the organization’s funds that will be used to help other churches.

Ella’s Light has also been able to provide 2,190 Bibles to children, 250 of which were sent to the Republic of Malawi in southwest Africa.

Two more fund raising events are planned for this year. On Aug. 23, in Sumrall, Ella’s Light Ministry will hold another event just like Saturday’s, and then on Aug. 23, the organization will hold a business casual fundraiser at the Governor’s mansion, Lourie Formby said.

For more information on Ella’s Light visit, http://www.ellaslight.org/.