Carbondale Chamber of Commerce recently issued the following announcement.
“It’s a win-win for everyone – for my students, the community and the race participants,” Bill Connell, John A Logan Massage Therapy Instructor, enthusiastically reported after he and his students offered massages at the 8th Annual For Kids’ Sake Superhero 5K.
Leagues of Superheroes gathered at Turley Park Saturday morning, October 6, in support of For Kids’ Sake, a local non-profit that fundraises for orphans and students in Bangladesh. The combined effort of hundreds of race registrants, local business sponsors, volunteers and donors all helped raised over $41,000, more than any previous For Kids’ Sake event!
“The event provides a wonderful learning environment for my students because it is family-friendly and has a diverse group of participants of all ages,” Bill Connell mentioned. The Superhero 5K brought together racers from 3 - 82 years old! Many local groups ran together as teams including groups from SIU Communications Department, Carbondale Community High School, Unity Point, Brehm Preparatory School and several businesses including Kohl’s, Marion Eye Center, Longbranch Café & Bakery and NeuroRestorative Academy.
Carbondale’s own City Manager, Gary Williams, formally addressed the crowd, highlighting the City’s support of this community-building event. Mayor Mike Henry made a surprise appearance just as everyone was ready to take off from the starting line. He used the moment before the race to remind runners about the impact they have in Bangladesh, mentioning the recent construction of a new kitchen at the For Kids' Sake Ibrahimpur Orphanage.
A cheering crowd welcomed runners as they raced past the finish line. Shortly after, the Award Ceremony commenced with medals, cash prizes, and trophies awarded to both teams and individuals. A student from Unity Point awed the crowd with his impressive Marvel-themed Loki costume, and he took home the cash prize for Best Costume. The Brehm Preparatory School team of 17 students stole the show by fundraising over $5,500 and winning the Championship Team Fundraising Award once again. The Carbondale Community High School Terrier Soccer Team snatched the first place trophy as the fastest team.
All proceeds will provide life-saving resources to 550 orphans and 4,000 students in Bangladesh. Every runner, sponsor, and volunteer helped surpassed the $40,000 event goal! Donations are still gratefully accepted at www.forkidssake.net to help close the remaining funding gap for the year.
Original source can be found here.
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