Runners Crossed the Finish Line in the US and Iraq, but Iraq Children Were the Real Winners

2018 ICF “In Their Shoes” 5K benefits Iraq’s orphans and vulnerable kids

The Iraqi Children Foundation’s May 5, 2018, IN THEIR SHOES 5K for Iraq's orphans and most vulnerable children, raised record funds for tutoring, legal protection, nutrition, health care, and other loving services for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk kids in Iraq.   

The 6th annual 5K, held in the Washington, DC area, was joined this year for the first time by a "sister" 5K in Basra, Iraq, hosted by BP. 

Veterans, Iraqi-Americans, diplomats, businesses, children, and families all joined to raise awareness and support for Iraq's children.  In the US, Iraq's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Fareed Yasseen, served as Honorary Co-Chair of the event (pictured below with three 5K “Youth Ambassadors” - Humoody, Teeba, and Ala'a – who served as the faces and voices of children back in Iraq. )

Team Teeba won for the largest 5K team with 33 registered, and the Iraqi-American Young Professionals (IAYP) came in second with 23.  Veteran Tim Reilly took home the trophy for first place in the men’s division and Veronica Scott took first in the women's division.   

The race was followed by live music by Salaam Band, dancing, and Iraqi food.  Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato provided free gelato, and there was face painting and balloon animals for the kids.  At a table hosted by Kids Giving Hope to Kids, special drawings were made for Hope Bus kids in Baghdad.

Distinguished individuals who served as Ambassadors with the US diplomatic corps, included James Jeffrey, Ryan Crocker (also an Advisor to ICF), William Taylor, and Richard Schmierer.  

For additional pictures from the 5k, visit ICF’s Facebookpage.   Individuals who missed the 5K can still makedonationsto ICF’s Baghdad Street Lawyer and Hope Bus projects. For more information, contact cindy@iraqichildren.org    

Photo credits:  George Banker and BP