Miles for Smiles Africa

I was able to help out on Saturday morning with Naina and Mohamed's daughter Safiya's event, Miles for Smiles Africa.

Safiya did such a great job organizing the event and having specific jobs for volunteers to do!

Safiya had me work at the Registration table, checking folks in who had pre-registered, taking payment from those registering on-site, and getting folks their wrist-bands and pointed in the right direction for their race numbers and tee-shirts.

Before the race, there was a warm-up of Bhangra dancing...

It was great how the instructor got everyone up and moving and their blood flowing!

There were many activities available - face painting (behind the guys on the sidewalk),

Voter registration, all sorts of food and water in the pavilion.

My friend, Naina - every picture I have of her, she is talking with someone - she is so welcoming and kind!

... and her sweet husband, Mohamed - also so kind!

... and this is Safiya, the dynamo that took on this challenge and was the driving force behind it - in just eleventh grade! I am so impressed with her!

I was very grateful that it was a cloudy day for the most part!

The participants gathering at the start/finish line....

Less than 20 minutes later, the first runner returned having run the 5K race.

All of the participants, runners and walkers, completed by the time an hour was complete. Individuals of all ages participated. Plenty of food, water, and conversation were available once the race was done.

If you are interested, you can contribute via the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/miles-for-smiles-africa -- or, if you want to write a check directly, the account is "Miles for Smiles Africa" - and contact me for mailing address.