Outpouring of Love for Iraqi Children at 3rd Annual "In Their Shoes" 5K
Participation at annual 5K doubles in wake of ISIS advance in Iraq;
$32,900 raised for Iraq’s most vulnerable children
May 19, 2015
More than 300 runners and participants joined the May 9 “In Their Shoes” 5k at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, Virginia in a powerful demonstration of love and support for Iraqi orphans, street kids, and children fleeing with their families from ISIS, and helping raise $32,900 to fund food, tutoring, emotional care and other hands-on support for these extremely vulnerable children.
The 3rd annual 5K brought together dignitaries, veterans of the Iraq war, families of the fallen, and distinguished members of the Iraqi-American community in the Washington, DC area. Generous sponsors of the event included the Khudairi Group, BH Defense, Boeing, Frankel PLLC, and The Children’s Village.
His Excellency Lukman Faily, Ambassador of Iraq to the United States (right), served as Honorary Chairman of the event, running for the second time with his family in the annual 5K for Iraqi children.
Ambassador James Jeffrey (below), former US Ambassador to Iraq served as MC and one of the Honorary Vice Chairmen of the 5K.
Mrs. Kelly Swanson, a Gold Star Mother whose son died in Iraq, joined him as Honorary Co-Vice Chairman. She was joined at the race by another Gold Star mother and family, the Murphys (below), whose son also died in Iraq.
Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie, former Iraq Ambassador to the US and UN, and ICF Advisor, joined the 5k for the third time as did Ambassador Richard Schmierer. Ambassador William B. Taylor, Jr., Acting Executive Vice President of the US Institute of Peace (USIP) led the second largest 5K team with more than 20. Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, joined many Iraqi war veterans in running for the children of Iraq.
The 5K winner among men was Randall Myers and among women, Ellen Schaff. The largest team to register for the 5K was organized by the Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) and the second largest team was organized by the US Institute of Peace (USIP).
Following the 5K, attendees gathered for Iraqi food from local caterer Sinbad restaurant and for music by DJ Yasir AlHilaway. For more pictures, visit ICF’s Facebook page.
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The Iraqi Children Foundation is a US-based nonsectarian tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity, based in Falls Church, VA, whose mission is to mobilize a life-changing surge of love for Iraqi orphans and vulnerable children suffering from years of war and violence. For more information, visit www.sicfiraq.org