Inaugural Hope 4 Hanna Raises Over $60,000
On a cool October morning in Southern California, hundreds of runners and walkers made their way towards the stage in anticipation of the start of the inaugural Hope 4 Hanna – Taking Down Autism, One Step at a Time 10K/5K run and walk. Five-year-old Hanna Belden, for whom the event was named, took hold of the microphone and set the race into motion. Her parents, Josh and Lene Belden, together with their friends Justin and Kristen Alderson, felt compelled to do something after Hanna's diagnosis in 2006, so they developed Hope 4 Hanna.
Lene and Josh Belden with their friends, Justin and Kristen Alderson
This first, very successful, event raised over $60,000 with more than 400 people participating.
People from all over Orange and Los Angeles County made their way to the Wal-Mart parking lot in Talega, San Clemente, where the run/walk took place. The Mayor of San Clemente, Lori Donchak attended and ran in the 5K. The event hosted a resource fair with over 25 vendors providing autism related information and resources to the community.
People from all over Orange and Los Angeles County made their way to the Wal-Mart parking lot in Talega, San Clemente, where the run/walk took place. The Mayor of San Clemente, Lori Donchak attended and ran in the 5K. The event hosted a resource fair with over 25 vendors providing autism related information and resources to the community.
The Belden family after the Kids' Race.
Runners line up with Hanna during the national anthem.
Mayor Donchak speaks before the race.
A runner displays the sign on the back of her shirt.
Hanna starts the race – "Ready, set, go!"
Mayor Donchak entertains Hanna with her iPod.
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