While many kids spend much of their free time playing video games, a local 9-year-old is raising funds for cancer research, thanks to help from local businesses.
Last year, Asher Fairey, a third grader at Lewiston Elementary School in Evans, organized the Little Hearts for Cures 5K & Fun Run, which raised about $5,000 for Curing Kids Cancer, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization, according to his mom and local real estate agent, Ehrin.
This year’s race will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 9-noon at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m., and the fun run will begin at 10 a.m. She said over 100 people participated in last year’s fun run, and they hope to have 150-200 participants this year.
“They’re (Curing Kids Cancer) different than St. Jude because the money goes directly to cancer research, not supporting the families,” Ehrin said.
Asher’s aunt, Mikaela Hopkins, serves as the nonprofit’s partnership manager.
Several local businesses, such as Hargrove Inspection Services, Kelly Lawrence State Farm, Fleet Feet Augusta, and Jordan Family Dentistry in Grovetown, have signed up to sponsor the event. The race is dedicated to Ella, a local girl battling cancer whose mom is one of the dental hygienists with Jordan Family Dentistry.
Ella attended last year’s race and plans to be there again this year.
“We were asked to support this event and chose to do so because it supported a good client of ours,” said Hargrove’s owner, John Boudreaux. “It is also in alignment with our vision to support local causes and events; our company is passionate about giving back to our community.”
Ehrin said businesses can support the race by donating money or items. For monetary donations, sponsorships range from $200 to $3,000. The cost for participants is $25 for the fun run, $35 for the 5K, and $75 for families.
“A couple of the classes at Lewiston Elementary are making Christmas decorations for the race,” she said.
For more information or to sign up as a sponsor, visit curingkidscancer.org/events/littler-hearts-5k-fun-run_3.
