Nearly 1,000 participants took strides for local breast cancer patients at Charlotte’s 12th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival. To date, the event has raised more than $172,000 – the most raised in the event’s 12-year history – to support the Go Jen Go Foundation and local breast cancer community.
“We appreciate everyone involved for helping celebrate our twelfth year of Run Jen Run and Jen’s legacy while enduring the rain to show up for breast cancer patients who are facing a financial crisis,” said Susan Sears, executive director of Go Jen Go. “Our hearts are full, and our gratitude for our grantees, breast cancer survivors and thrivers, sponsors, donors, participants, ambassadors, volunteers, and race committee is overflowing.”
The event took place on Saturday, March 9 at Symphony Park in SouthPark, and also included a Fun Run, a festival with music, and a kids’ fun zone. There was also an expo area with community-driven sponsors and partners, Jen’s Garden of Hope with Signs of Hope on display, and a Survivor/Thriver Corner for breast cancer patients to be celebrated and connect.
Other event highlights include:
- 950 participants and 56 teams
- 110 breast cancer survivors, thrivers and fighters
- 34 Go Jen Go Grantees
- 44 sponsors and partners
- 75 volunteers
Returning as title sponsor was Consolidated Planning, and presenting sponsors were Novant Health, TrinityPoint Wealth and Smiley’s 4 C’s Charitable Endowment. During opening ceremonies, Molly Grantham, who served as the emcee, was presented a recognition letter from City Councilman Tariq Bokhari on behalf of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles for her 20-year television career and commitment to countless organizations and people in the community.
All proceeds from Run Jen Run support the Go Jen Go Foundation, which provides hope and critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.