HOPE worldwide 5K & Fit Walk/Run - A Fitness Celebration

HOPE worldwide hosted its 2^nd annual 5k Walk/Run on June 6, to benefit the Saturday Academy programs in Newark, Paterson, NJ and Bronx, NY. The breathtaking view of the New York City skyline was the perfect backdrop to an event that would draw participants and volunteers from across the Tri-State area. Over 200 participants came out to celebrate a day of fitness at Pier A Park in Hoboken, NJ. Through all of the hard work and fundraising efforts of our volunteers and participants, we were able to raise $15,000! We are very grateful for the tremendous support and the proceeds will allow us to continue to run our programs throughout the Tri-State area.

The day was filled with excitement as the participants arrived bright and early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful weather and festivities of the day. After registration, all participants received a HOPE worldwide 5K t-shirt and goodie bag from our generous sponsors. The 5K run was extremely competitive and appropriately, the male and female first place finishers were residents of the city of Hoboken. Each winner received a prize of round trip airline tickets donated by Spirit Airlines. The next event, the children’s fun run was just as competitive as the youth raced for great prizes such as an iPod and a Nintendo DS. The walkers enjoyed a semi-leisurely stroll around the park enjoying the view but there were some who had their eye on the prizes and power-walked to finish in top spots, winning gift certificates and iPods.

Event MC Marc Thompson, fresh from his acting role in the movie 'Bringing up Bobby' got the race participants motivated and ready with his hilarious 'warm-up' routines. The children were entertained by an educational theatrical performance by the Story Tree Gang titled ‘Read-A-Book’, sponsored by A Ten Talent Production.  Dandy Dan the balloon artist and clown and a bounce house provided more fun. Those that chose not to walk or wanted a little extra exercise participated in a salsa dance demonstration led by Al Zagani of. Dance on 2 Studio. Free on-site massages were available to ease sore muscles and were a huge hit, with participants waiting patiently in line for their turn. The day rounded out with incredible musical performances by Theresa Brown and The N Result Band. All guests enjoyed food donated by Panera Bread Co. and water donated by Pepsi Co. It was a fabulous day and a great time was had by all.