Village Shalom revived its annual Father’s Day Run this year. Spearheaded by Village Shalom Board Chair Bob Gershon, the run was previously known as the “May Day Race” and had been held since 1987.
This annual event has historically supported dementia-care programs and fostered community involvement and fundraising.
The Father’s Day Run featured a variety of activities, including 5K/10K races, racewalking and a Kids’ Fun Run.
The last race hosted by Village Shalom was in 2017, drawing over 650 participants, volunteers and sponsors, raising more than $20,000 for memory care services. Due to subsequent challenges, including the pandemic and organizational transitions, the race hadn’t been held since then.
The commitment to resurrect this race underscored its importance to the community and its role in supporting community programs. This determination and belief in the race’s positive impact rallied support, especially during a period of transition for the Village Shalom Development Office. The theme of this year’s race was “We’re Making a Comeback.”
David Spizman and Hope Howe, Village Shalom’s new development team leaders, were tasked with reviving the Father’s Day Run just six weeks before the scheduled event, without prior experience in organizing a race. Supported by Gershon, they were able to organize the race.
With only one week left before race day, Spizman and Howe had secured $20,000 in sponsorships, enlisted 20 volunteers and attracted more than 200 participants, surpassing expectations and prompting additional preparations to accommodate the growing turnout.
On the day itself, 326 participants, more than 50 volunteers and numerous sponsors and donors, promoted community spirit and raised essential funds for memory care services and the financial assistance program at Village Shalom.
Howe, new to the Jewish community, said she was “deeply moved by the outpouring of support and collaboration from diverse backgrounds, which played a crucial role in making the Father’s Day Run a resounding success.”
The planning and execution by Village Shalom staff, supported by the Kansas City Running Club, resulted in a successful race day, including everything from course setup to timing, entertainment and logistics.
Village Shalom staff and leadership say that the run’s platinum sponsors, Nexdine Hospitality and Brett’s Lawn, Inc., were instrumental in making the Father’s Day Run a success. They also voiced appreciation for Alex Gold from KCSP 610 Radio, who lent his voice as the race’s emcee; the KC Hooper girls for providing entertainment and fun hula hooping demonstrations; and Martin City Brewing Company for providing post-race craft beers.
Spizman and Howe said they are eager to build on this success in future editions of the Father’s Day Run, with plans to introduce enhancements and benefit from a more extended planning period.
