It’s 5K season in the Tri-State, and athletes from all across the region have their pick of races in which to compete.
Many of these have a fundraising component, with proceeds going to worthy charities. One such event, the 19th annual RGI River Run to benefit Kicks for Kids, a non-profit that lends a hand to some of our younger citizens, will take place on Saturday.
The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9:30 a.m., near the Purple People Bridge at Newport on the Levee. Tucked within the day’s activities is a sweetheart of a race, the Special K, which takes place just prior to the main event.
Kicks for Kids was founded in 1995 by Doug Pelfrey, former kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals. He and
teammate Jim Breech joined forces and produced some extraordinary results. For the past 20 years, the organization has pursued a mission of leveling the playing field for area children who are challenged physically, mentally or by their environment.
Kicks for Kids nurtures children who miss out on the experiences that many youngsters take for granted. Since its inauguration 18 years ago, the run has exceeded $680,000 in total net profits raised. With assistance from sponsors, fundraising efforts and donations, KFK has directed $1.7 million to the 45,000 youth it has served since its inception.
By collaborating with community agencies, the organization lends a hands to kids in local schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, community centers and service organizations. Opportunities to experience the arts through hands-on art classes, trips to The Taft and The Aronoff, performances by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and the Cincinnati Ballet enrich the lives of at-risk children.
Lessons learned through the hard work and discipline of sports participation can pay dividends in life. KFK provides sports camps like the Tayshaun Prince Basketball Camp at Thomas More College in August, the Great Outdoor Adventure at Potter Ranch, trips to Reds games and Bengals training camps. College visits enable teenagers to understand the important role that education plays in their lives, while career events offer a glimpse of a future full of possibilities.
When children fall through the cracks in life, some of childhood’s most cherished experiences fall through those cracks, too. This charity works hard to prevent some of that. At Christmas time, a party and tour of Paul Brown Stadium is accompanied by a visit from Santa. His gifts allow the children to enjoy, just for a moment, a bliss that often eludes them.
There is an enduring partnership between KFK and the Aaron W. Pearlman Center at Children’s Hospital. The Center provides programs of early intervention, integrated therapy and assistive technology for 400 to 500 children and adults annually who have neuromotor impairments. The 50 yard Special K, held at 9:15 AM, offers the Pearlman Center children an opportunity to showcase skills they have attained through hard work.
Armed with determination and adaptive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, standers or bikes, young athletes compete on their own or with assistance from family. They dig deep for the willpower to cross that finish line. Along with the thrill of victory comes the thrill of helping the center gain funding that defrays the cost of classroom supplies and new technology.
In most races, there are but a few winners. Not so for the Special K or the RGI River Run to benefit Kicks for Kids. In an event that helps so many children, how could there be any losers? To join the winner’s circle, contact Cara Dorning at Kicks for Kids’ Covington headquarters at (859) 331-8484 or by email at caradorning@yahoo.com
Karen Kuhlman is a Fort Mitchell resident whose interests include family, the people of Kentucky and current events. Reach her at KarenKuhlman@fuse.net (mailto:KarenKuhlman@fuse.net).

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