2008 St. Patty's Day 5K a Success

Though temperatures dipped into the 20s during a chilly and early St. Patrick's Day celebration at McKee Farms Park in Fitchburg March 9, 78 runners laced up their running shoes in support of American Family Children's Hospital.

The annual 5K Run serves as an informal kickoff to the Madison area's St. Patrick's Day celebration, and this year the green wasn't limited to the celebrants' apparel. Approximately $1,200 was raised by runners who gathered pledges prior to the run.

Robert Verhelst, a medical communications specialist for UW Hospital and Clinics, organized the American Family Children's Hospital fundraising portion of the 5K for the second year. He says enthusiasm for the event continues to grow.

"I thought that a 5K run would be a fun event to do with friends to raise money for a worthy cause," Verhelst says. "My network of friends just keeps getting bigger each year."

Like many of the run's participants, Verhelst decided to get involved because he values American Family Children's Hospital as a community resource.

"Children need to know that they are always loved, be it if they are in good health or bad health," he says. "American Family Children's Hospital is a place where children's illnesses are met with positive attitudes, cheerful atmospheres and loving care. This is what we'd wish for our children if they were to get ill, and it is what we should wish for all children who are ill."

Verhelst's son has provided additional motivation.

"I have a little guy who my world revolves around, and I know he would want us to help all the little guy and girls who need help get better faster and in a place where children are put first," he says.

For more information about supporting American Family Children's Hospital, go to www.upforkids.org.