Run for Kids 5k in Memory of Karen Lawrence

It may still be summer but we are starting to come up on to the fall race season! For us here at Terra, that means a lot of race timing for a lot of awesome local organizations. One of the first races on our calendar is the Run4Kids 5k in support of the Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga. We reached out to race director Mary Pike to learn more about this fun, feel-good race.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do at the Ronald McDonald House? 

I am the Development Specialist at the Ronald McDonald House. I plan and coordinate fundraising events as well as identify and cultivate donors. I have worked here for a little over two years.

Many people are familiar with the Ronald McDonald House but some might not be; can you tell us about what you all do, as well as what that specifically looks like in the Chattanooga area?

The Ronald McDonald House’s mission is to keep families close to their sick child at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. We serve families not only in the Chattanooga area, but in surrounding counties. When families stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they have a place to stay, do their laundry, provided snacks and a hot meal every day, and more. We provide a “home away from home” for families.

What about the Run4Kids race? How did it come about and how does it benefit the Ronald McDonald House?

Before the race was called “Run4Kids”, it was called “The Karen Lawrence Run”. For 40 years the Lawrence family hosted the Karen Lawrence Run in memory of their daughter, Karen, who battled acute lymphocytic leukemia. In 2019, the staff at Ronald McDonald House decided to change the title to “Run4Kids in Memory of Karen Lawrence” to celebrate our mission with past families as well as celebrate Karen Lawrence’s memory. This event brings our past families, donors, and volunteers together to celebrate RMHC and the work we do in the community. All proceeds go back to the House and help us continue our mission.

What should runners expect on race day? Where is the race, when does it start, and is there anything else unique about it?

Run4Kids is Saturday, August 13th from 9-11:30 a.m. at Chattanooga State Community College. Runners (and walkers) should come dressed up in red, white and blue and expect a fun, filled day! After their race, they will head to Celebration Village where there will be games, food, and fun.

Other than running in the race, how can people support the work of the Ronald McDonald House in Greater Chattanooga?

Support from the community is what helps us keep our mission moving forward. We have several volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room on the third floor of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. We also have a wish list on our website that shows what we need at the House to best serve the families who stay here. For more ways to support RMHC, please visit https://rmhchattanooga.com/ or email Tonya West, Volunteer Coordinator, at tonya.west@rmhchattanooga.com