originally posted on 3/4/2024
Photo: Courtesy of Give Kids The World. View full-sized image.
Not all races have to be run in order to make a difference. Seven enthusiastic ACE members, representing five regions, laced up their athletic shoes on February 10, 2024, to walk, run or hike in the Gingerbread Run 5k fundraiser event for Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village. Two ACE Cares team members traveled to Kissimmee, Florida, to experience the event in person at the Village, while the others participated virtually as they ambled through their own neighborhoods, hiked in local parks or walked laps in an enclosed nearby shopping mall.
GKTW Village was founded in 1986 by respected hotelier Henri Landwirth, who partnered with generous individuals and corporations to create this nonprofit resort that serves children with life-threatening illnesses by providing their families with a memorable, cost-free visit to the central Florida attractions. The Village is a storybook-like, 89-acre resort that grants wishes to sick children, who can experience the joys of a simple childhood and have uncomplicated fun with their families — something they may have missed owing to illness.
From left to right: Kris Leach, Mike Leach and Jeanna Piper.
Photo: Kris Leach Collection. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jeanna Piper Collection. View full-sized image.
By joining forces and working together, the members of this ACE Cares team made a significant difference in the lives of families living with chronic illness. The dedicated cadre appealed to friends and families for a total of $1,797 (72 percent of the goal of $2,500). Fundraising was not complete until the day of the run, and last-minute donations helped the team achieve a higher amount of donations than in the previous year. Kris Leach was the top fundraiser, thanks to the help of supportive donors, and the ACE Cares team was the 11th-highest-donating team out of the more than 60 teams joining the fun this year.
Gaclyn Antar and Ryan Lucas woke up early to participate in an early morning race.
Photo: Ryan Lucas Collection. View full-sized image.
Photo: Gaclyn Antar Collection. View full-sized image.
ACE members Ryan Lucas and Gaclyn Antar braved the early morning light at 6 a.m. to participate in the race at the Village. Also, ACE member Debby Milburn was on hand as a Village volunteer to guide and support all the spirited folks as they entered the property prior to the race. With anticipation, they met Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry, as well as other famous residents of the Village before the race began. Music blared, which created an atmosphere of excitement and expectancy. Competitors danced through the course and posed for photos with princesses, R2D2 and storm troopers as they made their way toward the finish line to the post-race snacks and medals that awaited them. Virtual participants received their medals and official race bibs prior to the event date. Those folks will receive any other fundraising incentives by mail following the race weekend. Rather than announcing a 2025 date for this event, GKTW revealed that another race will be held later this year, dubbed “Gingerbread Run Under the Lights” occurring on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The link for that event is located here for members interested in joining or supporting the ACE Cares team.
https://give.gktw.org/team/563865
The ACE Cares team members’ collective efforts and shared passion for philanthropy created a strong and united front, showcasing the power of camaraderie and the importance of giving back. The ACE Cares team is grateful to the staff of GKTW Village for their hospitality and coordination of this event. We look forward to partnering with Give Kids The World Village by participating in Gingerbread Run events in the future with a large and enthusiastic contingency.
— Gaclyn Antar, ACE Cares Committee Member, and Kris Leach, ACE Cares Coordinator
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