The Lakeside 5K benefiting Ally’s Wish attracted many groups like this one who were saluting a cancer fighter. (Photo by Pradeep Sandeev)
The Second Annual Lakeside 5K and Family Fun Day benefiting Ally’s Wish attracted 449 participants Saturday, November 9, filling the community with what FMPD Special Services Sargent Jason Rachal termed, “a pretty amazing crowd.”
Last year’s event drew 209 runners.
Everyone — from runners to sponsors — clearly understood the importance of Ally’s Wish, Inc., the Flower Mound-based nonprofit organization that grants last “wishes” nationwide to terminally ill mothers with small children.
The organization was formed after a group of moms were inspired by their friend, Allyson (Ally) Hendrickson, her young boys, and her battle with cancer (click here to learn more).
Runners and their supporters were treated well.
Gabriel Deleon, the chef/partner for MiDia from Scratch, offered everyone breakfast burritos while Sue Stewart from Arbonne Cosmetics passed out finish line packets (some of the nicest many race participants had ever received).
Lakeside businesses also chipped in.
The Fun Run began at 7:30 am and featured some bright young running talent. (Photo by Pradeep Sanjeev)
Several opened early and advertised that they were donating a portion of their sales to Ally’s Wish.
Employees from The Lakeside Tavern handed out coupons for free beers and mimosas, attracting a large crowd to the establishment after the race.
“We had a lot of fun,” said Dave Coussirat, owner of the Tavern, “and we will certainly open early again next year!”
“I loved all the interactions,” said Jennifer Purifoy, owner of Hello Daffodil, “with the people standing on the corners holding balloons and signs and encouraging the runners.”
“It was a festive and active crowd,” said Sgt. Rachal of the FMPD. “Everyone behaved perfectly and the officers enjoyed their conversations with people.
“Several officers told me they’d like to come back next year,” Rachal added. “That’s high praise from officers working on a Saturday.”
The 5K start line was crowded with runners at 8 am. The event drew 449 runners. (Photo by Pradeep Sanjeev)
“We were overwhelmed at the response for this years race!” said Missy Phipps, chairperson of Ally’s Wish, Inc.
“Our amazing event chair, Danielle Cornet, and her great team worked diligently to ensure the event was handled without any glitches.”
“It’s hard to put into words,” said Cornett, “the overwhelming gratitude I have for every single team member, volunteer, sponsor, and race participant.”
Motivated to serve by a friend who had recently completed radiation for breast cancer, Cornett also played a key role in boosting participation of both runners and sponsors.
“Our sponsors wrapped their hearts around Ally’s Wish as much as I have and we had over 30 sponsors,” she said.
One sponsor stood out.
“I received a phone call from O’Rourke Sales (in Flower Mound on Lakeside Parkway),” Cornett recalled. “The employees were given a choice between two charities to support and they chose Ally’s Wish.
After the race many gathered to celebrate like this group at The Lakeside Tavern. (Photo courtesy of Dave Coussirat).
“And 60 of their employees registered to walk/run!”
“Lakeside was the perfect venue for the race,” Cornett added. “I can’t tell you how many people came to me afterward telling me they had no idea how beautiful it would be.”
“Without Lakeside’s generous support,” added Phipps, “we would not have started our event 2 years ago.
“Abbey Seminaro and Jimmy Archie at Realty Capital were amazing in every way and exceeded our expectations.”
Ally’s Wish recently won a grant of $100,000 from Reliant Energy and was selected as Non-Profit of the Year from Unity in Community.
“With a waiting list well over 75 Moms,” explained Phipps, “we are hoping with the increased awareness of what our mission is, people will continue to become involved so we can grant more wishes.”
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