WILMINGTON — Little Hearts Big Smiles has been helping families and special needs children in Clinton County since 2006.
Initially established as a support group for families seeking guidance, emotional support and networking opportunities, it has evolved into much more. You may be familiar with the handi-accesible playground on Fife Avenue and may have even attended an event or two.
For the past three years, the annual 5K has grown from a simple run/walk to a day filled with team captains, t-shirts and tons of smiles.
The three new team captains this year are Roman, Ryder and Shilo — who will be profiled in the News Journal next week — along with returning captains Abby, Braydyn, Andrew, Brei, Gracin, Kaylee, Gracie, Paxton & Irene, and Sarah.
LHBS will also be hosting its annual Fun Day 5K at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18.
In 2017, the 5K started utilizing team captains – kids in our community that are indeed superheroes — and 2019 brings on a few new faces in addition to the returning captains.
Those newest captains LHBS will be welcoming are Roman, Ryder, and Shiloh.
This will be a walk-or-run event with prizes going to the top three finishers for both males and females. All of the teams will have a specialty shirt made for the 5K. Joining a team is not a requirement to participate.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. on May 18 at 1400 Fife Ave., with the 5K starting at 10 a.m.
Registration is now open to sign up for the 5K for a fee of $15, which can be mailed in or paid online. Same-day sign-up for the event will be $20.
All proceeds from this event will go to benefit Phase 4 of the Little Hearts Big Smiles Playground. Phase 4 includes the addition and maintenance of handi-accesible restrooms for children and families.
To find out more about the 5K and for more information about Little Heart Smiles Big Smiles, visit www.littleheartsbigsmiles.org or find them on Facebook.
