Jewish Family Service of Tidewater raised vital funds for community services during its 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on Sunday, May 3, attracting nearly 300 participants to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a 5K and community walk.
Hundreds of community members, families, volunteers, and supporters arrived for a morning filled with fun, fellowship, and philanthropy. The event serves as JFS’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping ensure the agency can continue meeting the growing needs of the Hampton Roads community.
Run, Roll, Stroll offered something for everyone, from the 5K race to the 1-Mile Fun Run and community stroll. Participants also enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities including fairy hair, bubbles, glitter tattoos, and a balloon twister, creating an energetic atmosphere along the oceanfront.
The event highlighted the strength and spirit of the community, with teams representing local organizations and congregations coming out in support of JFS. Strelitz International Academy won the trophy for the largest team with Team Tiger, while Ohef Sholom Temple had the second-largest team. Participation in the race continues to grow each year.
The money raised through race registration and sponsors is used to support JFS programs. JFS emphasizes that donations remain essential in sustaining the agency’s mission and services throughout the year.
“Run, Roll, Stroll would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. The generous support we receive all goes back into the community — 86 cents of every dollar directly helps someone in need,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of JFS. “We use events like Run, Roll, Stroll to bring the community together for fun and fellowship, but also importantly to thank the hundreds of people in the community that make it possible.”
“The board members and volunteers play an integral part every year in making Run, Roll, Stroll a success and we are so thankful to have a board that is excited to come out and show their support,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development.
For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.
