Running with a purpose
5K for a Better Day raises more than $10,000
American Heritage School’s 11th annual 5K for a Better Day at the Sunset Park in Plantation saw more than 300 running with a purpose.
Their participation, coupled with other sponsors, helped generate more than $10,000 for Chris Evert Children’s Hospital of Broward Health. Over the years, the school’s Pre-Med Society has hosted the event with the young patients in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit in mind. After almost two decades of partnership, the society has raised more than $120,000 for a play room in the Pediatric Oncology wing.
Dr. Carlos Pulido, AHS Pre-Med program director, was happy with the turnout. He finds it inspirational, which fuels the desire to continue hosting the 5K.
“You see the effort these students put into this to make it such a great event,” he said. “I can’t tell you howmany hours they have donated to it. They would be out there in late hours in fitness clubs to get people to sign up and then going out dressed up to talk to potential sponsors. Some even gave up their spring break to gather support. It’s an incredible display of dedication. The community truly came together.”
The hardwork paid off in the eyes of Sneha Chaturvedi, president of the club. The daywas bittersweet for the senior, knowing itwas the last event shewould be a part of. Since eighth grade, Chaturvedi has been active in the endeavor and is gratified to leave on such a high note.
“It’s really great to see howour group this year is really strong,” she said. “It makesme hopeful for next year that they will continue the legacy. Wewant more and more runners to break our record. I put my heart and soul into this cause.”
Karthik Sriganeshan, 5K chairperson, believes there is more to the race than fundraising.
“I think we did a good job not only raising money, but raising awareness for the hospital aswell,” said the junior. “Wewent out there into the community to people who didn’t know what we were doing. It got them interested in our club and our cause. We got people who didn’t normally run come and run because they realized what we were doing and how i twould help. Seeing that many people showing love for our organization was the highlight ofmy day.”
Anna lisa Roman enko served as an acquisitions officer in helping secure sponsors and other donations. She thought itwas a good experience talking to people and building up social skills.
“When you go and talk to all these companies and tell them about your cause, and they see how passionate you are, they are quick to donate,” Romanenko said. “You can tell how engaged they get.”
The sophomore will never forget the conversation she had with a mother, on the day of the 5K, about a family member who had passed away fromcancer.
“She told me what we were doing was really amazing and gave her hope and helped make her stronger,” Romanenko said. “She told me she researched our cause and howit all really impacted her life… She connected to it on a personal level. It helped me realize I’m not only helping the hospital but members of society and helping make them stronger and give them hope for the future.”