Photos courtesy of Family Connections of Northeast Ohio
The first 19 years of the DadsDay Run raised more than $500,000 for
Family Connections. “This helped us broaden our reach to families and
engender respect for family-centered programming,” says Cargile.
Family Connections offers its services at multiple sites, including
schools and libraries, throughout the Heights and Greater Cleveland. Shaker
residents who have visited the Play and Learn Center at Main Library have
experienced a Family Connections program.
Some 7,000 people have participated in the DadsDay Run, and many
return year after year. Shane and Ann Millette have been involved for more
than a decade; he was a board member, and both have participated as
runners and volunteers, as have their three sons, Shane’s daughter, and
Ann’s brother and niece.
“If someone is around and they are a runner, we bring them in,” she
says. Moreover, a family friend who lives in Paris (France!) has run several
times, including the 2019 race, when he placed third. Ann also ran a fivemile
course in the virtual 2020 DadsDay, but “it wasn’t the same as the
community event, and crossing the finish line wasn’t as much fun.”
Not surprisingly, Ann and the rest of the family are eager for the
2022 event. “It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Father’s Day, families, the
community, and Family Connections. I can’t think of a better reason to run.”
The DadsDay Run relies on many people for support. In addition to
registration fees, it depends on corporate and individual sponsorships and
donations, as well as help from volunteers. To participate in any way, visit
familyconnections1.org. For additional information about sponsorships, call
Susie Cargile at 216-921-2023. SL
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