Page 38 - issue
P. 38
Running
First, the top three fundraisers from the high school, mid-
dle school, and elementary school categories were called up for
trophies. It impressed me so much that girls younger than I am
came up to accept their well-deserved awards. The message was
clear: Anyone is able to raise money if she shows determination
and puts in the effort.
Next, the top three adult fundraisers came up to receive their
trophies. What really warmed my heart was to witness every-
one cheering and clapping for those who were not on their own
team. I love that our community was able to create a competi-
tion to spur each other on, not to bring anyone else down. That
was one of my biggest take-aways from the race.
I asked Rochel Ziman, captain of the top fundraising team,
Team Bonnie, why she felt so passionately about this organiza-
tion. “I love being part of the JCN family. I want to help spread
awareness about this vital organization in our community. They
help so many but do it in privacy. You wouldn’t know that some-
one from your shul or your neighbor is being helped.”
uuu
At the JCN Men’s race on June 25, the atmosphere was cheer-
ful and buzzing with energy. This time, I was there as a vol-
unteer, not a runner. While the women’s race was a beautiful
demonstration of the power of the female spirit, at the men’s
race I got to see a different demonstration of power – that of
family.
I asked volunteer Diana Baron how she felt about the “rac-
ing trend” as an effective fundraiser, and what it accomplished
other than bringing in money. She said, “I think what’s really
cool is that it creates achdus in all ages. You have little kids who
want to do it and are so excited, and it makes them happy. Also,
there was this one child who was just niftar, and the race was a
way for the children to deal with their grief. You have the little
kids who are doing it and the older kids, the woman and the
men. And it’s just such a beautiful thing that everyone can be
a part of.”
The Men’s Race definitely gave whole families the oppor-
tunity to be involved with helping the JCN. I saw young girls
wearing volunteer vests bigger than they are running around
with their faces painted, so excited to be a real part of the event.
Men ran alongside their young sons. Some men were pushing
strollers.
An adorable idea that created special delight in many little
ones was the “Super Hero 100 Yard Dash.” Little boys (I even
saw a little girl) were each given a Superman cape, a race bib,
and a superhero mask and sent off to run a short sprint. During
the awards ceremony at the end of the race, each of these little
heroes was given a medal for participating. I watched one little
guy proudly admiring the one around his neck.
When the race was over, everyone sat down to an amazing
barbeque. The top fundraisers (who raised at least $360) were
given VIP bracelets and special tickets enabling them to enjoy a
lavishly catered meal that included steaks, barbecued chicken,
30 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
First, the top three fundraisers from the high school, mid-
dle school, and elementary school categories were called up for
trophies. It impressed me so much that girls younger than I am
came up to accept their well-deserved awards. The message was
clear: Anyone is able to raise money if she shows determination
and puts in the effort.
Next, the top three adult fundraisers came up to receive their
trophies. What really warmed my heart was to witness every-
one cheering and clapping for those who were not on their own
team. I love that our community was able to create a competi-
tion to spur each other on, not to bring anyone else down. That
was one of my biggest take-aways from the race.
I asked Rochel Ziman, captain of the top fundraising team,
Team Bonnie, why she felt so passionately about this organiza-
tion. “I love being part of the JCN family. I want to help spread
awareness about this vital organization in our community. They
help so many but do it in privacy. You wouldn’t know that some-
one from your shul or your neighbor is being helped.”
uuu
At the JCN Men’s race on June 25, the atmosphere was cheer-
ful and buzzing with energy. This time, I was there as a vol-
unteer, not a runner. While the women’s race was a beautiful
demonstration of the power of the female spirit, at the men’s
race I got to see a different demonstration of power – that of
family.
I asked volunteer Diana Baron how she felt about the “rac-
ing trend” as an effective fundraiser, and what it accomplished
other than bringing in money. She said, “I think what’s really
cool is that it creates achdus in all ages. You have little kids who
want to do it and are so excited, and it makes them happy. Also,
there was this one child who was just niftar, and the race was a
way for the children to deal with their grief. You have the little
kids who are doing it and the older kids, the woman and the
men. And it’s just such a beautiful thing that everyone can be
a part of.”
The Men’s Race definitely gave whole families the oppor-
tunity to be involved with helping the JCN. I saw young girls
wearing volunteer vests bigger than they are running around
with their faces painted, so excited to be a real part of the event.
Men ran alongside their young sons. Some men were pushing
strollers.
An adorable idea that created special delight in many little
ones was the “Super Hero 100 Yard Dash.” Little boys (I even
saw a little girl) were each given a Superman cape, a race bib,
and a superhero mask and sent off to run a short sprint. During
the awards ceremony at the end of the race, each of these little
heroes was given a medal for participating. I watched one little
guy proudly admiring the one around his neck.
When the race was over, everyone sat down to an amazing
barbeque. The top fundraisers (who raised at least $360) were
given VIP bracelets and special tickets enabling them to enjoy a
lavishly catered meal that included steaks, barbecued chicken,
30 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
