Club President Donna Drakes, PDG Ted Propes, DG Jim Squire and Race Chair Charles Heinz

In August, the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club hosted its 23rd annual “Run for the Kids” 5K Downhill Race. This race has become one of the most popular in the city, as it is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, and boasts an array of ‘fun factor’ attributes, including a 1K Kids’ Race, Doggie Dash, Best Dog Costume Contest, Children’s Play Area (featuring hula hoops this year), various vendors, giveaways and delicious treats (i.e. ice cream and snow cones; some healthy stuff is made available, as well – LOL J). This year’s event drew a record 1600 runners and raised approximately $100,000. Since its start in 1997, the race has raised more than $1.1 million.

Our “Run for the Kids” is a labor of love for our Club, as ALL members play vital roles in planning and organizing each year’s race (which is a year-round endeavor), as well as provide staffing on race day. Members of our Campbell High School Interact Club served with us, too. We were honored to have had District Governor Jim Squire and Assistant Governor Gillian Leggett join us on this auspicious occasion. Both were actively involved in volunteer activities that day, from registration to race kickoff to awards distribution. We are humbled to have the support of our District leadership as we strive to be the best reflections of Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self.’

The Vinings Downhill “Run for the Kids” 5K Road Race is the largest fundraiser of the year for the club. Members work hard all year to create a buzz around this event, using a variety of methods from word-of-mouth to signs in community business windows and on homeowner lawns, posts on various social media outlets, and articles in local newspapers. Proceeds support local non-profit organizations that provide services to underserved children. Examples of charities that have benefited in the past include Calvary Children’s Home, Good Samaritan Health Center, MUST Ministries, HERO for Children and Breakthrough Atlanta. To be considered for financial assistance, 501(c)3 organizations must submit grant applications in the fall. A committee of Club members evaluates these applications using stringent metrics (fiscal responsibility and reach of impact being two of the most important criteria), and make suggestions for Board approval.

In January 2020, one of our Club meetings will be dedicated to presenting the charities chosen with their checks. A representative from each beneficiary agency will be given a minute or two to apprise those in attendance of their organization’s mission and programs. We invite local media personnel to this meeting, which is also used to thank our generous donors/sponsors, without which none of this would be possible. The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club is very proud to be able to support local children in need via this fantastic event.