Lakeside 5K participants shine despite cold rain

At the Sixth Annual Lakeside 5K and Family Fun Run, the rain fell relentlessly, with temperatures sinking into the fifties. But the chilly, wet weather on Saturday, October 28, didn’t diminish the numbers or the enthusiasm of those gathered for the event. 

In all, 268 runners participated in the Halloween-themed event, many sporting costumes for the Dress-Up contest, and all eager to support Ally’s Wish, the award-winning organization based in Flower Mound that grants wishes to terminally ill mothers with young children.

A placard near the start/finish line captured a family vacationing in Hawaii and read, “Thank you for the memories! -Helena.” It reminded participants of the mission: to fund trips for families like Helena’s. Behind her smile, Helena had endured a series of life-threatening medical crises upon giving birth to her daughter, Mia — including Stage 4 breast cancer and a cancerous mass on her hip. She and her daughter were robbed of precious time between mother and child. In Hawaii, they had a respite to shape beautiful new memories far from hospitals and doctors’ offices. 

Since the organization’s founding in 2014, over 300 wishes like this one have been granted to families torn apart by terminal illnesses.

The chance to help grant these wishes attracts many participants to the Lakeside 5K, as does the Dress-Up contest, which recognizes winners in three categories: Best Group Costume, Best Adult Costume, and Best Child Costume. The vitality and beauty of the Lakeside community also plays a part.

“We are very grateful for our partnership with Ally’s Wish on the Lakeside 5K,” said Jimmy Archie, managing director of Realty Capital, master developer of Lakeside. “It’s a wonderful cause to be associated with.”

Interest continues to build for the event and Ally’s Wish. Sign-ups for this year’s event hit 361 runners, up 45 percent from the 248 in 2022. And sponsorships exploded from 9 in 2022 to 29 this year. In all, the event raised $30,000 (enough for six wishes), $10,000 more than 2022. 

A number of sponsors fueled the participants: breakfast tacos from Joey O’s, mimosas from 1845, coffee from Starbucks-Lakeside, hot chocolate from Starbucks-Gerault, and donuts from Sara’s Donut Story, Good Morning Donuts, and JJ Donuts.

Volunteers also played important roles. Mom and daughter teams from National Charity League Highland Village helped with face painting and made posters. Volunteers from NHS and the Marcus HS Clay Target Team helped the event run smoothly. 

Lakeside 5K goody bags included a shirt and many coupons donated from generous retailers in the area. 

Crown Trophy in Lewisville supplied the medals awarded to the top male and top female from different age groups in addition to the trophies for the winners in the Dress-Up Contest. Hollywood Feed Lantana voted on the best Dog Costume and awarded them a “Top-Dog” prize, consisting of a dog bed, treats, toys, and other items.  

“We love our sponsors, and the many who contribute to our events,” said Shannon Webb of Ally’s Wish. “We included them on signage as well as social media posts related to the event.”

This year’s event also included a silent auction, which proved to be a successful addition to the event.   

Ally’s Wish organizers are already planning their 10th Anniversary Boots & Blessings Gala. The “Birthday Ball” is scheduled for Lucky Spur Ranch again on April 27. Those interested in sponsoring this event can learn more by clicking here.

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