At their core, superheroes like Batman and Captain America aim to inspire people, both young and young at heart. That’s also the goal Child Development Resources, a nonprofit group that serves developmentally disabled kids in Williamsburg, James City and York counties, and Poquoson. The organization’s second largest fundraiser of the year, the Superhero 5K, returns Saturday.
“We wanted to make it fun for kids and adults alike,” said Mary Jane Hurst, CDR’s director of development. “We thought this would add a little sparkle.”
This year marks the 10th year of the organization’s 5K event and the third featuring a superhero theme. She said the community has responded positively to the adoption of a comic book motif, at a time when the creations of Marvel, DC and the like dominate pop culture. The good cause warrants people’s attention, too.
“They recognize the amazing community support that surrounds the work that CDR does,” she said.
The nonprofit group serves more than 1,100 local kids every year, offering services like therapy, special education and child care. But she said the kids mostly turn out to events like the 5K simply to have a good time. Games, raffles, a costume contest and ample Ben and Jerry’s ice cream help ensure they find exactly that.
“It’s fun. It’s fundraising,” Hurst said. “We want to be sure that they feel like they’re winning the race.”
The 5K draws about 800 participants annually. As of Tuesday, CDR raised 84 percent of its $50,000 goal for the event.
“It helps you to really recognize the loving support that is out there in the community,” Hurst said. “It takes all of us.”
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
Want to go?
The event runs Saturday at the Vineyards at Jockey’s Neck, adjacent to the Williamsburg Winery, 2659 Jockey’s Neck Trail. Packet pick-up and activities begin at 7 a.m., the one-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. Post-race activities run through 1 p.m. For more information and to register online, visit 5k.cdr.org. Fun run is $20 in advance, $25 on race day; 5K registration is $40 in advance, $45 on race day.
