It was a beautiful morning and such a pleasure to share our beautiful campus with our community! The 4th Annual Be a Hero 5K brought together over 200 runners, walkers, volunteers and community supporters. Thanks to your generosity and that of many others, we are proud to announce that $17,684.84 in total proceeds was raised to support the nearly 1,000 youth and families Cunningham serves each year!
The event was brimming with joy, energy and plenty of fun costumes! Nick Birch, a therapist with our HopeSprings Counseling Services, dressed as Captain Underpants and ran with his mother, Meloni Birch, who came as Wonder Woman.
“I was a superhero for the 5K to practice fundraising as part of my commitment to service,” Nick said, “and it sounded fun! Captain Underpants came around after several of my donors requested that I wear the costume. I was Captain Underpants in high school as part of a spirit week, which made the newspaper and people likely remembered that. I hope that my participation marks the start of a strong, service-driven relationship between Cunningham and me. I’d like this to serve as a testament to my commitment toward all the wonderful people in our community.”
And speaking of wonderful people in our community, can we talk about Super Squirrel Martha? Martha has been known for her crazy 5K costumes and her dedicated efforts in fundraising nearly $10,000 for Cunningham over the past four years. Now, her commitment to making a difference has evolved into something even more hands-on. This year, in addition to raising funds for Cunningham, her efforts expanded into raising fun by starting a running club for Cunningham’s residential youth. Her goal? To inspire kids to train, run, and reach their personal milestones.
“It’s all about the kids,” Martha said, “and as I began to work with them, I got to know them. I celebrated along with them on Saturday; their hard work and determination really paid off!”
Over the last several weeks, Martha along with Joel, another wonderful Cunningham volunteer, worked with our youth, helping them train for the 5K. With their guidance, many of our kids accomplished their running goals, some even surpassing expectations. Youth who often struggle to complete tasks crossed the finish line with pride. One young runner was so motivated that he finished within the top 20 and then lapped the course again to encourage his peers, running alongside them in support.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you who sponsored registrations, youth from across Cunningham’s programs—including residential, special education, and community services—had the opportunity to participate and become their own heroes. For a second straight year, our CAV Rad Runners, a running club for students at our CIRCLE Academy Vermilion in Rossville, had solid participation. One shining moment came when one of its members, Maleahi, a young lady who trained diligently, placed first in her age and gender group. She was smiling from ear to ear!
The Shroka family, which has participated all four years of the Be A Hero 5K, made it a family affair once again. This year, dad Greg, along with Malachi, 9, and Juliana, 7, participated while mom Abby and the other four siblings cheered them on. The Shrokas, who affectionately call the event “the donut run,” have turned this race into a family tradition. And their training paid off, with Malachi placing in the top three of his age group!
We are thankful for our many friends and supporters who keep coming back and who find new ways to support our mission to see children thrive and families’ flourish.
