Hundreds Help Fight MS At St. Cloud Olympian’s Charity Event [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- Hundreds came out to Pineview Park BMX in St. Cloud for the 6th annual Charity Palooza hosted by Olympic athlete Alise Post.

The BMX star is currently training for the 2016 Olympics but she says it's always fun to come back home.

"Coming back to Minnesota is always a highlight for me," Post says. "I get to see my family, I get to come back to my roots, and I get a lot of support when I come back here."

The 24-year-old began hosting the charity event that fights Multiple Sclerosis six years ago when her high school gymnastics coach was diagnosed with the disease.

"It's definitely growing every year and gaining momentum," Post says. "It's a great event, great atmosphere, and we get people out to this awesome track out here."

"Today is about celebrating movement and what's better than riding bikes, skates, running a 5k, and getting out there and having fun?"

The Charity Palooza features two fundraising events: the MS Race for the Cure and the Never Give Up 5k run, which started three years ago and is held in honor of Post's mother, Cheryl, who passed away in 2014 from cancer.

"[We] wanted to give support during my mom's cancer battle in 2013 after she was diagnosed," Post says. "At the last minute, we put together a 5k and about 150 people showed up (the first year) and it was amazing."

"The funds (from both events) all go toward MS now and it's still great -- the name 'Never Give Up' came from my mom so it's definitely a personal day but a very rewarding day."

Last year, the Charity Palooza raised over $14,000 and Post says people who missed the event can still help the cause with online sales and auctions.