5K
tops 1,000 runners
Aid the Silent celebrated its 11th annual 5K at Boerne’s Main Plaza last Saturday, finally surpassing the goal of over 1,000 runners.
“ The community showed up and made such a huge difference,” said Emma Faye Rudkin, Aid the Silent founder. “We had a deaf Santa Claus who nearly died this past year and spent 10 months in recovery. His goal was to cross the Aid the Silent finish line. We also had a team of 55 people, and an incredible donor that covered the entry fees for a lot of Geneva teachers.”
The event, held June 7, aims to raise awareness in support of the deaf and hard of hearing community with all proceeds being donated to Aid the Silent, a non-profit organization that helps enhance communication methods for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and offering financial assistance.
“All proceeds go to incredible resources needed to help them succeed,” Rudkin said. “It was surreal to see the Boerne Plaza filled with so many people, considering I started this organization at just 18 years old.”
The plaza was filled with vendors, including Smokey Mo’s and Community Bible Church. CBC’s Deaf Choir performed the national anthem at the event, with the Rev. Ashton Luff sending the runners off with a prayer.
“We are here to support the deaf and hard of hearing community along with their families,” CBC interpreter Sharon Nodine said. “We are starting our first service tonight at 5 with our deaf pastor, Rev. Luff, for anyone who would like to come out.”
Among some of the first finishers were brothers Braydon and Brice Scott. Although they do not have a family member or friend that is deaf or hard of hearing, they wanted to show their support.
“It’s important that we show up anyways,” Brice Scott said. “We want to support everyone.”
Attendees came as far as the state of New York, all in support of the cause.
“My favorite moment was at the very end when we had the deaf and hard of hearing attendees stand up at the front so we could honor them,” Rudkin said. “We gave them their own medals. I’m so thankful for my team. The entire day went so smooth, and people really felt like they belong.”
To find out more about, or to donate to, Aid the Silent, visit: aidthesilent. com/donate.
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