Be a lifeline, R(un) for One

There are 153 million orphans in the world. 

Of those millions, only one-tenth of 1 percent will be adopted. The remaining children are what Lifeline has termed (un)adopted. 

“We have adoption programs all over the world, but the reality is that the majority of children are never adopted,” said Lifeline Development and Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Gilmer. 

As an arm of child services organization Lifeline, orphan care ministry (Un)Adopted works with children who will grow up without being adopted. 

The ministry goes into 12 countries to equip children with life skills and job skills to teach them independence and how to make it on their own. Much of this is done in partnership with local organizations such as churches and individuals in the country.

(Un)Adopted’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the R(un) for One 5K and Fun R(un), will be held for the third year at Veterans Park on Aug. 16.

 “I’m really looking forward to it,” Gilmer said. “It really is one of our very favorite events of the year. It is a chance that a lot of families, supporters, friends and businesses get to come together just for a fun morning and for a chance to run for the (un)adopted.” 

Last year the run raised $35,000, but Gilmer said this year Lifeline has set a goal of $150,000. She admits the jump between $35,000 and $150,000 is a big one, but R(un) for One has added fundraising teams to help achieve its target. 

Between now and race day, individuals have the opportunity to form a fundraising team. Teams can create their own fundraising pages and encourage friends to donate directly through the site, similar to other nonprofit organizations. 

Gilmer said (Un)Adopted is also trying to get more involvement in the actual race itself. Lifeline has many sister locations across the country, and the those in Georgia and Kentucky are also holding R(un) for One races on Aug. 16. 

Everyone, no matter the location, is invited to run Aug. 16 to help support orphaned children. 

“It’s our staff’s favorite thing we do,” Gilmer said. “It’s always an early morning, but it is a lot of fun and something that everyone always looks forward to.” 

The 5K starts at 8 a.m., and the one-mile fun run starts at 8:45 a.m. After the race, there will be a bouncy house and craft table for kids, as well as live music, food and drinks provided by local businesses and restaurants for all ages.

For more information about (Un)Adopted or Lifeline, visit lifelinechild.org. For more information about R(un) for One, visit unadopted.org/run.