This year students, parents, faculty, staff and the local community, braved the February chill to once again support the annual Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) Love Run/Walk for a Cure. However, the actual Love Run/Walk event looked a bit different than in years past, as it took place over the course of nine days, virtually. 

Generally, the Love Run/Walk is a 5k or three miles that meanders through the Thalia neighborhood near Princess Anne High School (PAHS).  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was made virtual. Although, the Love Run did maintain some sense of normalcy. Instead of asking participants to show up on a particular day and time, participants were free to walk, jog or even stride at their own pace. But, this time, participants were able to choose their own scenery. 

And, just like previous years, the school did partner with PAHS to create and hold a fundraiser so that donations could be given to the hospital, even in the midst of this year-long, never-ending pandemic. Furthermore, for the 17th year in a row, the schools’ partnership continued to raise more funds and collect more donations in effort to help the sick children who do reside at CHKD; each year the donations flood in and often surpass the year before. The two schools hope to raise a total of $20,000 this year alone.

“I love the fact that even though it’s virtual we can spread the love to all different states and countries. This year, I have family in New York running it and friends in Spain who are running. The whole point of the Love Run is to spread love in the community and I’m so glad that we are able to share this love outside of only Virginia Beach,” science teacher and sponsor Mrs. Shumate said.

The purpose of the Love Run is to give back to the community and to the hospital that has helped save numerous lives of our friends, family, and neighbors. The Annual CHKD Love Run/Walk has also helped fund research for many incurable diseases since it’s inception.  To entice participants, they were offered various packages to include everything from shirts and medals, to stickers. Donors also offered gift baskets of local items and gift cards.  The baskets could only be given out locally, but could be re-gifted.

And, while participation in the race was not a requirement to contribute; per usual, any and all donations were welcomed and greatly appreciated by all involved.

“Every year, the goal of the event is to gain more donations than the past year, and last year there ended up being $17,000 raised for CHKD. This year, the goal was raise however much we could. Everyone knows being virtual is difficult, but CHS and PAHS are certain the Love Run will still make a great contribution to the hospital,” senior Savannah Gibson said. “Along with an increase in monies raised, there was also an increase in participants which was expected because it was virtual, meaning that anyone could participate, no matter where they were.”