Normally these Northern Virginia businesses compete for clients and customers, but at the Hopecam 5k, they’ll compete to see which can run the fastest, raise the most money or register the most participants to help children with cancer. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the race and the first time that Hopecam has added a team competition to create awareness among the community.
Companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Cooley, Salesforce.com, Baker Tilly, Bernstein Global Wealth Management, National Association of Manufacturers, Avizia, BDO, TiE DC, Savi Technology, Deloitte, christopher consultants, PCCW Global and Avalon Bay are all participating in the competition this year to help promote Hopecam and their goal of helping to connect more children this year.
Executive Director of Hopecam Susan Koehler explains, “15,780 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Nearly every one of these children will have to be isolated from their friends and unable to attend school as a result of their treatment. Today, thanks to technology, this isolation can be overcome by giving the child a tablet computer and persuading schools to establish a connection with the hospitalized and homebound child. Hopecam is the only charity in the United States providing these services to children with cancer. It's no wonder that in 2014, Hopecam was asked to help six-times the number of children as the year before. 2015 will be no different and we are well on our way to helping 700 children, if not more, before year's end.”
Sponsors of the race are Booz Allen Hamilton, Elm Street Development, Bridge Builder Tax & Legal Services, P.A., NB+C, JBGR, Teltronic Towers, The McLean Group, Cooley LLP and Savi Technology. Trader Joe's will be there to volunteer and deliver treats to hungry runners, while Ali Khaligh of Your Dream Shots Photography and Scene 2 B Scene will capture the action of the race and donate photography services. Nicole Fine of Nicole Fine Photography is also making a donation of services as Team Photographer. Water donations were kindly given by Cardinal Bank and Wheat's Landscape.
It costs about $1,000 to connect each child. About 12% of the children live in homes unable to afford Internet, which Hopecam provides at a cost of $500 per year. 70% of the children attend schools eligible for Title 1 (low income) financing.
The Hopecam 5K is a USATF certified race-fast and flat for those wanting to set a personal best record. This is also the perfect race for families featuring an easy course for runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. This fun, family event is also stroller friendly.
The 15th Annual Hopecam 5k Race/Walk will take place on Sunday, May 3rd at 1890 Preston White Drive in Reston, VA. The race will start at 8:15am with registration starting at 7:30am. Participants can register online at https://prracing.enmotive.com/events/register/54db6f86-ffac-4793-bffe-20edc0a86526.