Sharing Care Puts on the Kilometers at Area Organization Walks
Baby Steps 3k
On a sunny morning June 1st, the Children’s Hospital put on another successful Baby Steps 3k at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. This annual walk, which benefits the neonatal program at Children’s (including the neonatal intensive care unit, infant care center, special care nursery, and more), gives participants the change to mingle with Children’s caregivers, neonatal grads and families at the after party.
Five PHS volunteers helped make sure walkers stayed on track throughout the route, cheering them on as crowds of bright team t-shirts and strollers marched past. And these walkers made a difference – a total of 127 teams showed up (a record for the 3k) and raised $105,000.
That kind of success deserves a party – and they were prepared to throw one! Walkers finished their trek to be greeted by Radio Disney, bounce houses, face painting, photo booths, and more – our volunteers even caught up with Victor, the Vikings mascot. We can’t wait to join again next year!
HopeKids 5k
The following Saturday, seven PHS volunteers showed up for the 5th Annual HopeKids Suburban Walk and Run – but this time to participate as walkers rather than traffic directors. This event is the largest fundraising event for HopeKids, raising a significant percentage of the money needed each year for them to provide all of the events that families involved in this organization enjoy.
The event brings distances for all types of athletes, including a Kids Fun Run, 5k walk, 5k run and 10k run. The morning attracted 150 runners, about 300 walkers and another 100 people as activities coordinators and volunteers to the neighborhood in Lakeville, and HopeKids President, Josh Taylor, was thrilled with the turnout.
“Huge thanks to all our HopeKids families for raising money and all the corporate sponsors that gave so generously,” he said.
Our team participated in the 5k walk (we weren’t sure we could keep up with those 10k runners) and enjoyed the company, conversation and scenery that this event brought together.
After the Kids Fun Run ended, the post-race entertainment kicked right in. There was everything from mascot football and dog agility demonstrations to face painting and sports available – truly an event for any age. We were happy to see so many participants show up and support this amazing organization – they provide families with a medically-complex child an outlet of fun and entertainment during what can otherwise prove to be a stressful time, and we know that helps kids thrive.