The Khaleda Run / Butterfly Release

Please Join us for our 3rd Annual Race on May 7, 2022 - in person OR virtually!

The Khaleda Run will incorporate three main events:  A Kids Fun Run, 5k & 10K.  Each participant will receive a live butterfly to release directly following our Awards Ceremony. This year we have added a group event (groups of 10 or more receive a $6/person discount - email thekhaledarun@gmail.com for more information).  We also are excited to once again offer a virtual race option; and look forward to you racing with us from anywhere in the world!

WHO WE ARE: 
BlindSight is a non-government organization committed to changing lives through vision and learning. Our goals involve establishing self sustaining eye clinics to provide services that restore sight and products to ensure optimal vision among under-served populations. In addition, our hope is to empower individuals to fulfill their personal vision through learning and literacy programs domestically and abroad.
 
KHALEDA'S VISION: 
In memory of Khaleda, race proceeds will be used to address vision and literacy challenges in our community and abroad.  Khaleda understood the raw reality that literacy is power.  The ability to read allows an individual to make educated decisions, acheive most any goal, unleash the imagination, get lost on an adventure, and understand truth.  No one should be denied this gift.   
 
KHALEDA "ETERNAL": Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Khaleda (which means eternal), was her given name. From birth, she battled a life threatening condition called Thalassemia Beta Major, which required regular blood transfusions and aggressive medical treatment to sustain life. At seven years of age, she was adopted by Mike and Amanda Assell as their first and eldest child. Despite her constant need for medical care, Khaleda brought joy, laughter, and wit to all she knew rather than bitterness or complaint. Her smile was contagious and her strength was mighty. She loved being with her family and friends. Painting nails, swimming, riding horses, and shopping were some of her favorite activities. Khaleda knew how to live in the day and understood that we aren’t promised tomorrow. She didn’t dwell on the past or her condition, and she didn’t fret over the future and what it would bring. This beautiful child taught us so much about life, sacrifice, and true love. She was a blessing in every way.  Khaleda's life reminds us of the life cycle of a butterfly.  We watched her transform through often painful processes into a most beautiful human inside and out.  Our butterfly will be joyfully released in her memory.

 “A BUTTERFLY ONLY HAS FOURTEEN DAYS TO LIVE, STILL IT FLIES JOYFULLY CAPTURING MANY HEARTS… SOMETIMES IT’S NOT HOW LONG WE LIVE BUT IT IS HOW WE LIVE IT. EACH MOMENT IN LIFE IS PRECIOUS USE IT TO GLORIFY GOD. BE A CHANNEL OF JOY, BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS...”  

Event Details:

Event Location:  Waterside Crossing Medical Park: Advanced Family Eye Care: Waterside Loop Rd.; Denver, NC 28037
Mailing Address: PO Box 723 Denver, NC 28037

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK-UP

Friday, May 6, 2022:  3:00pm - 7:00pm at Advanced Family Eye Care (7547 Waterside Loop Rd. Denver, NC 28037)

RACE DAY (*Virtual Option has ability to upload times from 4/24-5/7/22)
   

6:00 - 7:35 am:  Packet Pick-Up & Pre-Race Registration 
7:50 am: Pre-Race Warm-Up
8:00 am: 5K & 10K Race Start
8:00 am: Breakfast & Sponsorship Village open
9:15 am:   Kids Fun Run (12 & under) Start
9:15 - 9:45 am:  Butterfly Pick-up
9:45 am:   Awards Ceremony
Butterfly Release immediately follows Awards Ceremony

Opportunities for Participation:

1.  Volunteers: We are always seeking volunteers to help in many ways.  If you would like to volunteer, please sign-up here.

2. Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities: Please email thekhaledarun@gmail.com or call 980-222-4062 for more details on sponsorship. 

Mail all donations to PO Box 723; Denver, NC 28037

*Purple Sponsor:  $100
*Blue Sponsor:  $250
*Silver Sponsor:  $500
*Gold Sponsor:  $1000
*Pink Sponsor:  $2000
*Butterfly Event Sponsor:  $2500
*Main Event Sponsor:  $5000

3. Hydration Stations:  (3 stations) 

Organization will be responsible for a specified hydration station. This includes set up, clean up, cups, water, and team to manage the station during the race(trash can provided). Organization may promote themselves at this station as they encourage and hydrate runners - Race day booth included.

4. OTHER: 

  We welcome any in-kind sponsorship that may be available for our race.   

AWARDS:

1st place Overall (Male & Female ) will win a pair of designer sunglasses. 

Age Groups: (M&F)  14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+