Asked several weeks ago, organizers of the Sydney’s Soldiers 5K Run, Walk, Ride, Roll fundraiser to benefit Sydney Hatfield said they hoped to get 100, maybe 150, participants at the Sept. 13 after-church event at Sunbury Christian Church on Rainbow Avenue in Sunbury.
The week before the event organizers said preregistrations were higher than expected, and they anticipated 250 to 300 folks to show up for the fundraiser — but they were way off the mark. Parking in the area was at a premium when 600 runners, walkers, riders and rollers showed up for the event to benefit Sydney Hatfield, daughter of Sunbury Mayor Tommy Hatfield, who was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare, inoperable brain cancer.
Event organizer Tammy White said the turnout for the non-competitive, all-inclusive community event was overwhelming.
“We just thank God for opening every door to make this day possible,” White said. “All of the families that came out to run, walk, ride and roll; and our DJ and Delaware County EMS were here for us. Everyone has shown overwhelming love for Sydney.”
White said anyone who couldn’t attend Sunday’s 5K but would still like to contribute to Sydney’s Soldiers could send donations to Beverly Perfect, 296 Myers Drive, Sunbury OH 43074.
White also said additional Sydney’s Soldiers fundraising events are in the planning stages; stay tuned, she said.
For more information, contact Tammy White at 614-332-1864 or [email protected], or Beverly Perfect at 843-338-1471 or [email protected].