A committee of teachers and students from CHS, Princess Anne, and Kellam High Schools recently completed planning, organizing, and implantation of the 21st Annual CHKD Love Run. All involved joined to spread the love and get the word out to all community members willing to participate in the worthwhile cause.
The event itself is a fundraiser in which all money collected is given to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD).
According to the Love Run website, in 2013, the event was given deeper meaning as it was dedicated to Baby Jack Shumate, the son of CHS Advanced Biology and Anatomy teacher Sabrina Shumate. Jack’s life was tragically cut short, but CHKD stood by his family during their most challenging times, offering care and comfort. This year, the run/walk was once again dedicated to baby Jack and the Shumates whose child desperately needed services only CHKD could provide. Their story can be found on the Love Run website.
Each year, the Love Run begins at Thalia Elementary School. Participants can run, walk, or simply cheer on family and friends. Over the past year, a Love Row was introduced for those who wanted to participate but could not complete the run/walk.
According to www.CVCRowing.org, the Coastal Virginia Community Rowing (CVCR) is a non-profit organization rowing opportunities for all middle school, high school, and collegiate students in the Virginia Beach area. The group has partnered with VB Public Schools to promote rowing at all levels in a positive and inclusive environment. In its inception last year, the event added such an impact that they were once again asked to partner with CHKD.
Local businesses helped sponsor the event, either with monetary donations or contributions for the food or gift basket raffles offered.
Through fundraisers alone, event coordinators were able to meet last year’s goal of $25,000, so this year’s committee members set the bar higher. Although the actual amount of money collected has not yet been tallied, all involved seem confident and are eagerly awaiting a grand total.
