More than 800 runners and walkers came together to raise over $210,000 during the 2023 Eden Autism 5K & Fun Run/Walk!
Two races, a 5K and Fun Run/Walk, were held at the Eden School on October 1, and a virtual race ran throughout the same weekend. This year marked the triumph return of the festival! Children and adults alike enjoyed face painting, crafts, and games before and after the race.
“I am always amazed how the Eden staff and volunteers pull this race together every year. There are a lot of moving parts, but it all comes together seamlessly in the end,” said Brian McHale, 5K committee co-chair. “I have attended many different 5K races over the years. I am biased, of course, but I don’t know of a 5K that is better run than Eden’s.”
To celebrate our 20th annual race, we honored the individuals who helped launch and sustain the race over the past two decades. Jerry Fennelly, Andy Armstrong, Curt Emmich, Dorene Stacy, Stacie and Dave Sherman, Brian McHale, and Paola Silva Barajas were all instrumental in the Eden Autism 5K, helping to raise $2.8 million since the inaugural race in 2004.
“It was incredible to see the support we get from families and the community for this event,” said Brian. “It was extra special to see people who have been coming to the race for a long time — in some cases, since the first 5K! For my family, the Eden 5K is a homecoming.”
We also celebrated our top 2023 fundraising teams! Team Berkowsky was our top fundraising team, raising an incredible $45,000! Andrew’s Entourage raised $22,000 to become our second-place fundraising team, and Brielle’s Voice raised $20,000 to come in third.
In addition to our top overall fundraising teams, we presented the top 3 Eden School family and Adult Services family fundraising teams with an award. Thank you to our top Eden School teams — Danny’s Blue Crew, Daniel’s Crew, and the Transition Classroom — and our top Adult Service teams, Make a Difference for Jim Brown, Team Matty, and Murfin’ the USA.
Thank you to our runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and donors for your support over the past 20 years. We hope to see you again at next year’s race on Sunday, October 6, 2024 — save the date!
