Despite the challenges of the pandemic, more than 740 community superheroes joined the nonprofit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada for its annual Superhero 5K. Typically held in-person, this year’s virtual race brought in $210,000 to help children battling cancer and their families.
Now in its 30th year, the event has become the largest fundraiser for Candlelighters. The warm-up and opening ceremonies were held virtually via Facebook Live, and participants walked or ran in their neighborhood, local park or one of several designated inspirational routes while practicing social distancing. To continue the festive spirit of the Superhero 5K, celebratory finish lines were available at multiple locations for participants to take photos and commemorate their participation.
This year, awards were given to the highest fundraising teams in three categories. Team Joy, which raised $15,325, won in the Family & Friends category. OTF Las Vegas raised $2,681 to receive the award in the Corporation category, while Konrad Broock won in the Individual category with $6,602 raised.
The event was made possible by Superhero 5K major sponsors, Centennial Toyota on behalf of the Southern Nevada Toyota Dealers and Dollar Loan Center. Other sponsors included: Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Blue Apple Electric, Optum Care, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, Palm Mortuaries & Cemeteries, Las Vegas Raiders, Hey Frank, Southwest Gas Foundation Fuel Good and Law Firm of Jeffrey Burr.
“We are so grateful for the support of our amazing sponsors, runners, volunteers and supporters who all contributed to the success of the Superhero 5K. We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Kimberly Kindig, CEO of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. “Their efforts truly are helping us make a difference in lives of kids and families with cancer.”
The Superhero 5K raises critically needed funds for Candlelighters, which provides financial assistance for medical and prescription co-pays, mortgage/rent, utilities, local transportation and travel for treatment, scholarships and funerals; counseling; and other programs to lift the spirits of patients and family members.
About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in Nevada serving children, from birth to 21 years old, and families coping with childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional support, quality of life programs, and financial assistance for children and their families affected by childhood cancer. Since its establishment more than 40 years ago, Candlelighters has helped thousands of families, and now serves 125 families each month and as many as 1,000 children (diagnosed child and sibling combined) per year. For information, visit www.candlelightersnv.org.
