Blue and White Fun Run a big (and messy!) success
Jewish Family Service’s 20th Annual Run, Roll, or Stroll was held on Sunday, May 19 on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community. In conjunction with Yom Ha’Atzmaut activities, the campus welcomed thousands of visitors.
This was the first year that the JFS Run was held on the Sandler Family Campus, as JFS traditionally held its race at the Oceanfront or at the Botanical Garden. This year, however, was special. As the Campus celebrates its 20th year as a community center, JFS marks its 20th Annual Run. What better than to celebrate together?
Before the Fun Run, participants, families, and friends enjoyed family-friendly activities and snacks. For adults, JFS partnered with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to sell Bloody Mary’s with ingredients from An Israeli Chef’s Table Experience’s Chef Yaniv Cohen, who was in town for Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
As the Run began, people gathered under the blue and white balloon arches, ready for the challenge. When the runners, walkers, and strollers passed through the course, people at various “color stations” doused them with blue- and white-powdered chalk. Some participants had fun trying to dodge the flying powder, while others fully embraced the experience by laying on the ground and making “chalk angels” with the dust.
Feedback for the event was mostly positive, and JFS is considering having a color run again next year.
“We learned some lessons this year,” says Brooke Rush, director of the event. “Next time, we will definitely have wash stations and hoses to rinse off afterwards!”
Despite the colorful mess, the event showcased the tremendous community support of Jewish Family Service’s programs.
“This event is not just a fundraiser,” says Anne Kramer, former JFS board president. “It is an annual tradition for the community to come together in friendship and fun, and to show support for the work being done at JFS.”
Kelly Burroughs is the CEO for Jewish Family Service.