Sunday morning it was overcast and rainy when James & I headed over to volunteer at the 15th Annual Race for Hope to benefit brain tumor research. If you’ve never volunteered for a race down on the National Mall and live in DC, add it to your summer bucket list. Volunteering for charity races is a great way to give back on the weekends, and a fun place to meet interesting people.

This year’s Race for Hope raised over $2 million, bringing the event total over the past 15 years to over $15 million. Heartening, considering the challenges philanthropic causes have faced during the economic climate. Seeing so many people there, old and young, in yellow shirts was a beautiful sight, as each one was a survivor of a brain tumor themselves – seeing the kids’ bright, smiling faces was the best.

As volunteers, we handed out endless bagels, bananas, and other treats to the runners and walkers, and I got to help with the Kids Fun Run, giving every little one who crossed the finish line their own medal.

For the past few years, staff from John Snow Inc (where I work) have walked or ran the race or volunteered for the event as part of Team Sophie Bear, supporting a colleague whose daughter has courageously fought a brain tumor over the past 2+ years.  Five colleagues walked in the race or volunteered, and also coordinated a massive office bake sale to benefit the team, raising over $1100!  It’s wonderful to work at a place where philanthropic work & support is not only supported, but encouraged!

James & I volunteering at the food tent.

The JSI members of Team Sophie Bear pose with little Sophie and Isabella before the race kicks off.