Run. Walk. Hope.
Lace up your running shoes, Smarty Charlotte, and join thousands for the 17th Annual Hopebuilders 5K Run/Walk presented by Babson Capital. The premier family fundraising event benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital, Hopebuilders welcomes people of all ages and skill levels – many of whom are walking in honor/memory of special children in their lives. All proceeds from the event benefit the areas of greatest need at Levine Children’s Hospital.
This family-friendly event is hosting a new Stroller Roller this year. The Stroller Roller is the first 5K in Charlotte specifically designed for strollers, baby joggers, and even little red wagons. Children riding in strollers receive complimentary registration, so they do not need to be registered. Family and friends who would like to run/walk alongside you should also sign up for the Stroller Roller (even if they are not pushing a stroller).
The Stroller Roller Giveaways Sponsored by Bob & Britax
Stroller Roller participants will receive an official Stroller Roller t-shirt and race bib. You will also have access to “Strollerville” featuring special vendor booths/giveaways. Rumor has it that they are giving away at least 10 Bob/Britax strollers to the top fundraising teams. In addition, there will be prizes for the “Best Decorated Stroller” competition, so bring on your creativity, Smarties, and you could stroll home with a new Bob or Britax stroller! Most importantly, 100% of the $ raised goes directly to Levine Children’s Hospital. This year, the funds are being directed to cancer, cardiac, and child life programs.
History of Hopebuilders
Hopebuilders was started by 2 local families, Gigi and William Harris and Mattye and Marc Silverman, both of whom had children with brain cancer. They had to leave Charlotte for their care. But years later, when the learned a new facility (LCH) was being built in their community, the decided it should benefit LCH in memory of their children. So, in the last 7 years we have benefited to the tune of close to $1 million. That’s pretty amazing!
Oliver’s Story
Oliver was born a full-term, seven pound baby. Shortly after birth, though, he wouldn’t eat or digest any food. He was transferred to the Neonatal
Intensive Care Nursery. Oliver required five surgeries, and spent two long months in intensive care. Today, he is a happy, energetic, and healthy child. He
loves sprinklers, watching Dora the Explorer, and pets. In Oliver’s honor, his mom (Laura) created “Oliver’s Army”, a team that is raising funds for
Hopebuilders. They have raised over $6,000! They were featured this week on Charlotte Today, see video below.
About the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery
– This unit treats the sickest and tiniest babies in the region.
– It’s the only facility in the region to offer babies ECMO (heart lung machine).
– The High-Risk Neonatal Program at Levine Children’s Hospital was the first in NC to receive the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. It is also the only nursery in the nation with the highest intensive care classification to receive this distinction.
The Hopebuilders 5K Schedule
When?
Saturday, 10/20/12.
Stroller Roller starts at 7:50am.
5K Run/Walk starts at 8:00am.
Click here to register. Online registration closes on Wednesday, October 17th at 5:00pm.
Where?
Race festivities are held on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center at the corner of Kenilworth Avenue and Morehead Street. GPS address:1025 Morehead Medical Drive.
For more information, visit:
www.hopebuilders5k.org
Here is Oliver’s story on the Charlotte Today Show:
