Talk Around Town Tuesday – Run Like a Mother Recap by Lisa J. & Tim Fealy
It was early morning, May 12th, and the sun may have been hidden by the grey, cloudy skies, but the Lake County Fairgrounds were lit up with an energy that could be felt inside and out this past Mother’s Day. If you attended Hometown Happenings’ Run Like a Mother 5k/2k on Sunday, you know exactly what I mean. With over 500 participants and their families, it was a celebration of all moms, from all over the region, either with us in heart, body or spirit and it was quite the party.
Jam packed with music, vendors, adoptable pets, decorated strollers, preschool-made race awards, breakfast buffet, mimosas and a Strong & Beautiful grand prize winner, Run Like a Mother was an incredible mix of laughter, love and, of course, running!
True of any event, things may happen “behind the scenes” that those coming to the event are unaware of. Likewise, you may have a story to tell that we do not know. So, here are some of our stories from the Run Like a Mother 5K from this past Sunday. What are some of yours? For us….
Mommy’s Haven came to the first Run Like a Mother 5K in 2016 and had copies of blueprints of what they hoped would someday be a maternity home for the area. This was their first year participating with a fully built home that is open and operating and already carrying out its mission. Lauren, President of their Board, shared a text where one of their clients, who is in her mid-20’s said, “This is the first time in my life that I feel I have a safe and secure place to live.” Can you imagine?
The Moms from our “Strong & Beautiful Mom” contest were honored & Stephanie Fuchs-McKee won the Jean Mayer Award – named for last year’s Mom winner who lost her fight to cancer. The mom who nominated Stephanie, Carri Ables, was able to present the award to her. In Carri’s nomination, she said, “After experiencing an unimaginable, tragic loss, she musters the strength every day to be the best mom she can to her three kids…”
We collected bags and bags of diapers, detergent, personal hygiene items & other needed supplies (photos coming soon) for Teen Mother Choices of Crown Point. This local program empowers young moms to become independent functioning members of our community. They do this through mentoring, life-skill workshops, financial counseling, and goal setting.
Many friends who lost their moms this year came out to run the race to honor their moms.
The Girls on the Run team that Tim helps coach came & helped at the water stop!
Layla ran her first ever 5K at this race and got 3rd place in the “8 & under” category.
Our friend, Jennifer, first started training for a 5K in our Fall 5K training program. She has kept up her running through the winter and finished this 5K in her best time yet.
Hometown Happenings was grateful to kick off Mother’s Day with an incredible group of Moms and their families and hope that we were able to sprinkle a little happiness in your day. Thank you to all the vendors, volunteers, St. Mary’s preschoolers, Girls on the Run and everyone who attended and everyone who crossed the finish line, you all “Ran” Like a Mother and made this event a huge success! And to all you moms and mom figures whose hearts beat for those they love more than themselves, know you are appreciated and loved not just for a day, but for life. Happy Mother’s Day (every day)!