Grab a cape and be a superhero to support kids with cancer and the local non-profit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada at the Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan. One of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers, the morning event and festivities are Saturday, Sept. 9 at Exploration Park in the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community in southwest Las Vegas.
There are several ways to help. In keeping with the event theme, attendees ‒ and well-behaved leashed pets ‒ are encouraged to dress up as superheroes, reflective of the courage kids with cancer exhibit every day. Invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to form a team and fundraise for prizes; challenge yourself along with several thousand other participants for the 5K race or one-mile walk; or come and cheer on all the racers, walkers and cancer survivors. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities also are available.
Event proceeds allow Candlelighters to provide children with cancer and their families with needed help through a variety of emotional assistance, quality of life and financial support programs.
Other activities will include a kids area with a bounce house and games, bone marrow drive hosted by Be The Match©, awards ceremony for timed runners, food, kids zone with jump houses, refreshments and raffle prizes. Attendees also can enjoy Exploration Park amenities, including water play area, replicas of a western town and Indian village and companion playground and archaeology dig site, picnic areas, walking and hiking trails, and more.
This year’s Angle Ambassador is Lucas Ahlbach, who was 10 years old when he lost his battle with cancer. Superhero Ambassadors are Kaila Elder, 13, who has Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Benji Sanchez, 3, who has Choroid Plexus Carcinoma. They were chosen as ambassadors for their courage, spirit, and bravery in dealing with their cancer and serving as inspirations for those around them and others battling the deadly disease.
Key registration dates for the Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan are:
– Online: Team registration at www.candlelightersnv.org by 5 p.m. on Sept. 6 to qualify for any awards
– In Person: At the Candlelighters office by Sept. 6 or on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
– By Mail: Postmarked by Sept. 1 to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, 8990 Spanish Ridge Ave., Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148
Participants will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes based on fundraising levels. In addition, school, family and organization teams that raise more than $5,000 will be invited to the event VIP area featuring shaded areas with seating, breakfast, mini massages, a swag grab and private restrooms.
Event day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.; the race starts at 8 a.m. with the walk at 8:15 a.m.; and festivities continue until 11 a.m. Exploration Park is just south of the main entrance of Mountain’s Edge, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive.
The Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan is presented by Hakkasan Group with major sponsors Centennial Toyota, Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community and The Revolution FMO. It is part of Candlelighters’ observance of September’s designation as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the shineGOLD community awareness campaign where the public is encouraged to wear gold, change light bulbs to gold/yellow, exhibit gold at work or school, and use the #BeMySuperPOWER hashtag and challenge others to participate.
Visit www.candlelightersnv.org or call (702) 737-1919 for more information, registration, and volunteer and participation opportunities.
About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in Nevada serving children, from birth to 21 years old, and families coping with childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional support, quality of life programs, and financial assistance for children and their families affected by childhood cancer. Since its establishment 37 years ago, Candlelighters has helped thousands of families, and now serves 125 families each month and as many as 600 children (diagnosed child and sibling combined) per year. For information, visit www.candlelightersnv.org.
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