The MCH5K took place for the fourth consecutive year in front of Coral Gables City Hall and raised nearly $500,000 for the children and families at Miami Children’s Hospital, bringing the total amount raised since its inception to nearly $2 million.
Featuring fundraising teams created in honor of patients and former patients, as well as those wishing to make a difference, the MCH5K showcased the many lives that have been impacted by Miami Children’s Hospital and celebrated the children. This year’s MCH5K hero, cancer survivor Andres Hidalgo, inspired participants to cross the finish line in support of children like him.
“Andres is a very special example of one of the hundreds of thousands of children Miami Children’s Hospital helps each and every year,” said Lucy Morillo, president and CEO of Miami Children’s Health Foundation. “We truly saw our community come together for the children of Miami Children’s. The funds raised from this event are bringing us closer to our goal of fundraising $150 million by 2017 with Together For The Children, The Campaign For Miami Children’s Hospital.” Hyundai Hope On Wheels, committed to helping kids fight cancer since 1998, has partnered with the MCH5K for three consecutive years. Following the run/walk, Hyundai hosted its signature Handprint Ceremony, at which several cancer survivors had the opportunity to place their personal handprint on a 2015 Hyundai Sonata with a painted hand.
“Hyundai Hope On Wheels and the South Florida Hyundai dealers are proud to continue to support Miami Children’s Hospital,” said Zafar Brooks, executive director and board member of Hyundai Hope On Wheels. “Our $50,000 donation to MCH is part of our ongoing effort to fund research aimed at finding a cure for childhood cancer. Since our inception, Hope On Wheels has donated more than $87 million nationwide to support this mission.”
Long-time supporter of the hospital, Michael Baiamonte, Voice of the Miami Heat, served as emcee. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and commission chair Rebecca Sosa presented a proclamation to commemorate the special occasion.
The event featured a timed, 3.1-mile (5 kilometer) run and walk. Bryan Sharkey was the top male finisher at 16:45 and Guadalupe Merlos was the top female finisher at 18:45. The MCH5K also included a Kids Fun Race allowing children to complete shorter distances while supporting the cause. During the ceremony, Kohl’s announced a generous donation of nearly $150,000 to Miami Children’s Health Foundation as part of the Together for the Children Campaign, The Campaign For Miami Children’s Hospital.
In the past five years, Kohl’s has donated more than $740,000 to Miami Children’s Health Foundation through the Kohl’s Cares program. Other notable sponsors included Hyundai Hope On Wheels, Sabadell United Bank, City National, Coca-Cola, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Microsoft, Coral Gables Athletic Club, Delta Dental, RE/MAX Advance Realty, Vizcaino, Gitlin & Zomerfeld, Iron Tribe Fitness, and media sponsors The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald,WSVN 7 and La Familia de Broward.
