NHS hosted the Miles for Smiles 5k run on May 2 at 7:45 p.m. at Upper Campus.
Miles for Smiles is an event that started last year and it replaced the Mr. McHenry fundraiser. This event will support CASA of McHenry County this year which is an organization that advocates for foster students in our community.
In participating, people will not only contribute to a good cause but also have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card which will be awarded to the fastest male and female student runners.
This year there were some changes to the event.
Last year, Miles for Smiles was a color run but this year it’ll be a glow run.
Participants are expected to “glow up” which is dressing in the brightest neon and glow in the dark gear to light up the course. Glow sticks, LED accessories and anything that shines is encouraged for this event.
The behind the scenes preparation for this included a professional company called Racetime that designed hand numbers with microchips that will track people’s times. They also did the website design that allowed people to sign up.
Small McHenry businesses also contributed to the raffle baskets that they will have at the event along with McHenry Specialties that designed the medals.
When preparing for the event, Jamie Rosinski, Assistant Principal Administrative Assistant, was excited to see all the participation.
“We are at 112 participants right now,” says Rosinski. “We’ll probably get some that sign up at the race but our goal was at least 100, so we’ve already exceeded the amount that we hoped for and it’s just exciting to watch the numbers grow.”
Many people at MCHS wonder why Mr. McHenry was replaced with the 5K, so Rosinski clears up those questions.
“We used to do Mr. McHenry, and that was our fundraiser for the year,” says Rosinski. “It just wasn’t greatly attended, so we decided to start funding Miles for Smiles instead in order to fund scholarships for NHS students successfully.”
When deciding to participate, MCHS senior Addison Rodgers wanted to contribute to the community while still having fun.
“I wanted to participate because I love going on walks with my family,” says Rodgers. “This seemed like a perfect opportunity to get some exercise in a fun and meaningful way while bringing the community together.”
This event not only brings the community together, but contributes to CASA as a portion of the proceedings will support foster students in McHenry County.
Rosinski really encourages participation because of all the benefits.
“I feel like families with the school should participate,” says Rosinski. “Our NHS students should participate because it does benefit them directly with the scholarships, but with the charity CASA, … it really hits close to home for people. It’s important for people to give back to their community, and that’s what Miles for Smiles is all about.”
Rodgers agrees and thinks it is important to use fun events to raise awareness and money for different organizations like CASA. With Miles for Smiles, Rodgers describes this event as a simple and fun way to get some fresh air and exercise while still benefiting our community.