The 5th Annual Blythedale Advisory Council 5K Raises More than $66,000

The Blythedale Advisory Council (BAC) Annual 5K was held in-person for the first time since its inception in June of 2020, raising over $66,000 for Blythedale's Parent and Family Education Program. 

The Blythedale Advisory Council is a non-governing committee comprised of young professionals who are committed to Blythedale’s mission and want to make a difference in the lives of children with complex medical conditions. In June of 2020, the committee held its first 5K Walk/Run/Bike for Blythedale, and supporters participated virtually. Over the past five years, this event has raised nearly $248,000 for vital programs at Blythedale.

"This event was born out of COVID when we couldn't gather in person and had to respect social distancing," said BAC Chair Julia Singer. "We are thrilled to finally have this event in person."

This year's Title Sponsor for the event was Artistry Dance Project, a long-standing supporter of the Hospital. Artistic Directors Kristina Leitenberger and Lori Lynch are also members of the BAC. ADP's Elite Dancers performed for attendees on the center field, and also supervised lawn games for children and gave out prizes at the event. 

"They work so hard all year," said Kristina Leitenberger. "We go to competitions, we do big performances in theaters. But doing something like this, it's so much fun seeing the kids running around and just being kids and doing something that they can all come together for and feel like they truly are making a difference too." 

At the event, participants walked or ran on the track surrounding the Competition Field at Horace Greeley High School, and participated in activities including bubbles and lawn games, all in a wave of purple Blythedale shirts.

The event was supported by several generous sponsors, including Running Sponsors: Insight Partners and BTIG; Walking Sponsors: Acrisure and X-Caliber Capital; and Starting Line Sponsors: Lippolis Electric and hip-kid. At the event, Duck Donuts, and food trucks Mobile Pie, Sweet Treats, and Wing King provided a delicious array of food options.  

"It was incredible to be able to host this event in person after four years of virtual 5Ks," said Event Coordinator Toni Marie Favata. "We are so grateful to the Blythedale Advisory Council for their continued support and dedication to this event, and to all of our generous sponsors who helped us raise a record-breaking amount of money for a critically important program at Blythedale."

Proceeds from the event support Blythedale's Parent and Family Education Program, which offers tailored education and training to families so they feel competent and confident taking their medically fragile child home, often for the very first time.

Participants Bobby and Justine Mohr attended the event and know first-hand how important the program is to families. Their son, James, was admitted to Blythedale in 2019 and was discharged home just before Christmas. James was able to go home because his parents were educated on how to care for his highly specialized medical needs, including his tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes. 

"Seeing that program come to fruition over the past couple of years at Blythedale is really incredible," said Justine Mohr. "And it's coming from fundraising and initiatives like this."

There's still time to support the event: 
Make a Donation!

Click below to watch a wrap-up of the 2024 event!