Give Kids the World has been hosting a fundraising 5k for over 10 years now. I participated when I first started running, but haven’t been able to since then because of scheduling conflicts. So I was SUPER excited when I saw that this year’s event would be in December and on a weekend that I had absolutely no previously scheduled commitments. I immediately signed up and started planning to attend this amazing event!
This 5k event is a major fundraiser for Give Kids the World. Participants can sign up as individuals or start a team. Everyone is asked to fund-raise for the event, but it is not required. I paid the $35 registration fee and set a fundraising goal of $500 for myself. I love what Give Kids the World does and wholeheartedly support their mission. Anything I can do to help I will!
Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida. Children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to week long, cost-free vacations. The Village and its community partners provide children and their families accommodations in fully-furnished villas, transportation, tickets to theme parks, meals, daily entertainment and much more. Since 1986, more than 165,000 children and families have had their dreams fulfilled in a whimsical Village unlike any other place on earth.
This year’s event started inside the Give Kids the World Village and participants had a chance to run, walk or stroll through the village twice during the 3.1 mile event. While in the village you are able to experience some of the things that the families that stay at the village experience every day. This is a one of a kind experience that I would recommend to everyone. People of all ages, races, and athletic ability participate in this event each year.
Personally this was a great race for me. Even with stopping to take pictures and enjoy the village I was able to finish a minute and a half faster than the 5k I did last weekend. Maybe I was just motivated by all the joy in the village. I finished the race with a smile on my face and a heart full of love. It was so worth the 5 am wake up time.
After the race I enjoyed some post-race snacks (thanks Krispy Kreme), did a little shopping (I needed a new GKTW magnet for my new car), and picked up the items I earned through my fundraising efforts. My favorite item that I earned was a Give Kids the World ornament. Each year the ornament is designed by one of the kids that come to the village. This year’s ornament features a reindeer drawn by eight year old Collin. I put it on my tree as soon as I got home and love seeing it there when I walk by.
If you haven’t donated and are still interested, you can visit my fundraising page and make a donation (tax deductible of course). And if you don’t know about Give Kids the World Village, I invite you to learn more about their amazing facility and even think about volunteering there. Or maybe I will see you out at the Challenge for Hope 5k next year!
