A Race for Aledo Children in Need

In 2002, a group of 21 women got together to discuss the idea of forming an organization to support the children in need in the quaint community of Aledo, just west of Fort Worth. At the time, Parker County did not have any organizations where families could go for help with medical and dental needs, food, clothing or utilities. These 21 women became the founding members of the Aledo Children's AdvoCats.

Nine years later, the organization is comprised of 130 women who, AdvoCats Past President Jennifer Collins estimates, volunteer around 6,000 hours each year to children in need. And while the AdvoCats rely on a roster of generous doctors and dentists to donate medical care and counseling services, much of what this nonprofit organization provides to children is paid for by funds raised by the annual fundraiser, The Aledo Children's Run, Walk or Crawl 5K and 1K Fun Run, which will be held April 28 at Bearcat Stadium at Aledo High School.

Last year's event received outstanding community support with more than 600 registered runners and dozens of businesses and community organizations that chose to sponsor the race. Staci Smith, Aledo Children's AdvoCats race chairwoman, said she expects more than 700 participants in this year's race.

New to this year's post-race activities is the Finish Line Festival, where race participants can enjoy live music, food and shopping. The AdvoCats are also proud to announce a Special Needs prize category to this year's race. Each participant can choose to compete in the 1K Fun Run or 5K race and will be allowed one race companion, who will be admitted for free but is not eligible to qualify.

With the community's overwhelming support of the Run, Walk or Crawl 5K and 1K Fun Run, one thing is apparent — Aledo residents truly believe that no child should be deprived of basic needs. And the Aledo Children's AdvoCats are giving back to the community that supports them by granting it this wish.

For more information or to register, please visit AledoAdvoCats.com. General Race information: Staci Smith, stacijosmith@gmail.com; Finish Line Festival Booth Vendor information: Amy Turman, amykturman@gmail.com.