Mitchell’s Run: Nonprofit Video Production in Rockford, MI

Every August, the heart of historic downtown Rockford comes alive with runners, families, and supporters for Mitchell’s Run—a community tradition with a mission bigger than the race itself. Established to honor Mitchell Peterson and to support the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the event partners with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) to raise awareness and critical funding for research.

In 2025, the race carried a deeper meaning. After Mitchell’s passing in 2024, this year’s event became both a fundraiser and a remembrance. A dedication ceremony unveiled a plaque in his honor before race day, setting a heartfelt tone for the weekend. Along the White Pine Trail and the majestic Rogue River, participants gathered not only to compete but also to celebrate Mitchell’s life and the cause he inspired.

To document this milestone year, Mitchell’s Run partnered with Visionaery Productions, an event production company in Grand Rapids, MI. With two-person crews on site, we provided nonprofit video production that highlighted the dedication, the main 5K race, two children’s runs, and the awards ceremony—capturing the event in its entirety and ensuring nothing was missed.

Project Scope and Vision

The project scope for 2025 focused on comprehensive coverage. This year’s event had grown significantly in participation and fundraising, and it was essential to capture key moments across the weekend. Our role was to provide clear, professional documentation of the dedication ceremony, the race, and the community experience surrounding them. We worked with the race directors to go over the key event details.

With two crews working across multiple locations, we filmed the pre-race plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony, preserving an important part of Mitchell’s legacy. On race day, our cameras covered the main 5K, the children’s runs, and the awards, tracking participants across different age groups and highlighting the excitement at the finish line.

By combining multiple camera angles, high quality audio, and dynamic coverage techniques, we ensured the event was presented with the same care and attention that the organizers put into hosting it.

The result was high quality video production that showed how far Mitchell’s Run has come and provided content that the nonprofit can use for post-event marketing and ongoing community engagement.

Event Production: Capturing the Race and Participants

From the dedication to the finish line, our focus was on documenting the moments that mattered most. On Friday evening, we filmed the plaque unveiling and gathered interviews with Mitchell’s family and friends, capturing heartfelt reflections as the sun set over the Rogue River. These voices added depth to the visuals, helping preserve the meaning of the dedication for years to come.

Race day started early on Saturday, with the main 5K and children’s runs all wrapping up by late morning. Despite the rain rolling in during the 5K, the energy around the course never wavered. We filmed runners of all age groups crossing the finish line, smiling through the rain as they earned their finisher medals. The children’s events and the family-friendly fun run brought just as much excitement, showing how the race engages participants of all ages.

To ensure clear and professional sound, our crew tied into the event’s soundboard to record speeches and announcements with high-quality audio. We also pulled aside runners and supporters for quick, on-the-ground interviews. By combining multiple cameras, crowd reactions, and personal perspectives, we built a complete record of the event’s spirit—rain or shine.

Post-Event Marketing and Impact

Once race weekend wrapped, our crews returned to the editing suite to begin shaping the final deliverables. Every clip was backed up, organized, and carefully reviewed so nothing was missed.

The result was two main videos: a dedication piece created for Mitchell’s family and friends, and a highlight video showcasing race day. Each served a unique purpose—one as a personal keepsake to honor Mitchell, the other as an asset for marketing and community outreach.

To support the nonprofit’s broader goals, we also produced short edits designed for social platforms. These bite-sized cuts gave organizers ready-to-use tools for ongoing communication, helping them engage a global audience well beyond Rockford. Whether used to thank donors, attract new participants, or build excitement for the following year, the content became a valuable set of resources the team could rely on.

The organizers were clear: this wasn’t just about preserving memories, but about fueling growth. By providing engaging video content for post-event marketing, Visionaery Productions helped Mitchell’s Run exceed expectations, giving them polished material to inspire future support and demonstrate the impact of their work.

Lessons and Takeaways for Nonprofits

Mitchell’s Run is more than a local race—it’s an example of how a community can rally around a cause year after year. Since 1999, the event has raised more than $1.5 million to support the fight to end Duchenne. In 2025 alone, the race contributed about $72,000. For nonprofits, numbers like these underscore how important it is to showcase impact and keep supporters connected.

That’s where nonprofit video marketing makes a difference. High-quality video production doesn’t just document a day—it creates lasting resources that can be used in fundraising campaigns, grant applications, donor thank-you's, and social outreach. Video lets people see and feel the results of their support in ways a written recap can’t match.

Partnering with an experienced event production company gives nonprofits the confidence that every detail will be captured. From live events like Mitchell’s Run to galas or community programs, professional coverage ensures organizations walk away with content that elevates their mission.

For nonprofits, investing in professional video services is about more than looking polished—it’s about equipping your business or organization with tools that inspire giving, attract new participants, and keep momentum strong. Mitchell’s Run shows how video can help a company or nonprofit continue building impact year after year.

Conclusion: Partnering for High Quality Video Production in Grand Rapids, MI

This year’s Mitchell’s Run truly exceeded expectations—honoring Mitchell’s legacy, raising vital funds, and uniting the community in Rockford. Through thoughtful coverage and high quality video production, the event now has lasting content to celebrate its success and enhance outreach for years to come.

If your nonprofit or business is planning an event in Grand Rapids, MI, or beyond, professional coverage can make all the difference. Visionaery Productions is here to partner with you—capturing the details, the energy, and the impact of your event. Ready to get started?

Contact us today and let’s create something meaningful together.

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