by Merlin Anderson
It turned out to be a great day for running or walking or bicycling, so 50 participants showed up at the Anderson home on Saturday, December 3 to help create an awesome ABC run experience. An amazing total of $1,032 was raised for the Adopt-A-Family program, enough for to provide a great Christmas for two families! We had committed to provide enough money for one family, so the additional money will be used to help another family. There are more families in need than there are sponsors, so this additional money will really help. Thanks a million to all of you that participated and to those that mailed a contribution to us.
The family we sponsored this year included a boy (age 5) who enjoys playing with monster trucks, a seven year old boy who likes arts and crafts and riding his bike, and a seven year old girl who enjoys reading and loves to dress up. Much of the money we raised will be used to buy clothing and shoes.
The Adopt-A-Family program is administered through The Children’s Foundation of Children’s Home + Aid. This program is different from other holiday programs in that it is not an “open enrollment” program. All recipients have a relationship with their caseworkers and meet with them regularly. All recipients sign a contract that they will not seek benefits from other holiday programs unless it is for food, or for coats through the Salvation Army. This Adopt-A-Family does not purchase coats because the coats would be needed before they receive their gifts.
We gathered just before the run to hear a word from our co-host, Lisa Sparks, and from a representative from The Children’s Foundation, Kristin Fritz. Kristin thanked us sincerely, told us how important our contributions are, and illustrated her points with a couple of heart-warming stories about past beneficiaries of the Adopt-A-Family program. One story was about a mother who said she was astounded that complete strangers would donate time and money to provide a great Christmas for her family.After Kristin’s inspirational talk, we ran through the neighborhood to the Constitution Trail, eventually breaking into groups of similar paces and distance goals. When we returned, we were treated to a bountiful feast. Meg served her famous coffee cake, aebelskivers, blueberry French toast, egg & sausage casserole, ham & egg & hash brown casserole, and more! (I helped by staying out of the way). And there was more! Food/drink were also provided by Lisa Sparks, Stacy Brandt, Kevin Fahling, John Traynor, Mary Pinkham, Senthil Ramasamy, Denny McDowell, Tom Crain and others (I missed some).
The total amount contributed for all 70 ABC runs is now $43,030. We have supported 25 different charities. Here are the top ten charities in terms of total dollars contributed:
$6,349 – St. Jude (eight runs)
$5,731 – Austin & Haley Carter (two runs: brother & sister, both with bone cancer)
$4,799 – The Baby Fold (eight runs)
$3,419 – El Paso/Gridley Jr. High Cross Country program (five runs)
$2,381 – Sugar Grove Nature Center (six runs)
$2.264 – Heartland Head Start (four runs)
$2,258 – Boys & Girls Club (four runs)
$1,739 – Salvation Army “Coats for Kids” (four runs)
$1,617 – The Children’s Foundation: Scott Early Learning Center (three runs)
$1,448 – Special Olympics (three runs hosted by the McNamara’s)
Thanks to everyone for all your support through participation, contributions, helping, cooking, and friendship.
ABC Run #71 will be 9:00 am, Saturday, January 7 at the Sugar Grove Nature Center.
