Continuing their 30-year partnership, ASW and Bill’s Donut Shop have come together once again to raise money for some of the most vulnerable children in the Dayton region to receive their Special Wish.
This 5K is meant for runners and walkers at any level to be a Superhero for a day on behalf of the area’s children who are battling life-threatening diseases. This event for the entire family gets started with a Kids Fun Run presented by Primrose Schools at 9 a.m. Both the 5K and the Fun Run begin and end at Bill’s Donut Shop and are followed by an award’s celebration full of fun and food, a raffle, costume contest and, of course, scrumptious Bill’s donuts.
Participants are encouraged to wear superhero costumes, and there will be Wish families along the course to cheer on runners. It is important that the connection be made between this fundraiser and the children served by these funds. David Seyer, the executive director of ASW in Dayton, offers a reminder about why the mission of ASW is so important,
“These kids have been through so much. Doctor visits, hospital stays, painful treatments and being away from their family and friends are a daily part of life for Wish Kids. They and their families so desperately need this time to be together, forget about all they’ve been through and begin to make happy memories.”
Each child’s Special Wish is as unique as they are. Many children wish to go to Give Kids the World and explore Walt Disney World and the Orlando area, while some just want a relaxing trip with their family, a shopping spree, new playset or to fulfill a lifelong dream like digging for dinosaurs, dancing with the stars or meeting their hero. Whatever a child can dream up, ASW will do their best to make it happen and make it a stress-free experience for the entire family.
It truly does take a village. ASW cannot do this important work without the support of the community. ASW supporters are the best and most loyal advocates and ASW hopes to extend their reach in the community with this event.
“There are many in the community that still don’t know about the work we do, says David Seyer. “Part of the battle is just knowing that ASW exists as the only wish-granting organization in the Dayton Region.”
So mark your calendars for April 18. The race will begin and end at Bill’s Donut Shop at 268 N. Main St. in Centerville. Parking will be available at the Activity Center Park, on the west side of Ohio 48 across from Bill’s Donut Shop. Rain or shine, the Superhero Donut Run gets started at 9 a.m. with the Kids Fun Run and continues at 9:30 a.m. with the 5K. (Check-in and late registration starts at 8 a.m.)
All participants that register before April 1 are guaranteed an event T-shirt. Pre-registration for the 5K is $30, $10 for the Fun Run; Late or day-of registration is $35, $10 for the Fun Run. Awards will be given to the top three male runners, the top three female runners and the top three runners age 18 and younger. All Fun Run participants get a medal. Register online at www.keysports.net or download a printable form from www.aspecialwish.org.
All participants are encouraged to stay for a celebration after the run. Highlighted with donuts from Bill’s Donut Shop, there will also be a cookout, raffle, face painting and a costume contest judged by Super Heroes Closet, a nonprofit group of superheroes who help provide the basics for families affected by disasters in the Dayton area.
Sponsoring the race this year are Bill’s Donut Shop, Dayton Parent Magazine, Dayton Children’s Hospital and Primrose School of Centerville and Yankee. There are several sponsorships still available. For more information, visit the ASW website or call Serena at 937-641-4265.
Proceeds from the event will help fund the Special Wishes of local children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disorder. Bring out the entire family for a fun morning and help Wish Kids escape from their treatment for a little while and just be a kid.
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