The race, which is sponsored by Lauren’s Foundation, celebrated its 20th anniversary last month.
More than 400 runners, walkers and community members gathered at the West Reading Playground in October for a good cause.
Lauren’s Foundation held its 20th annual Fitzy’s Halloween Event, which included a 5k run, a 2.5-mile walk and a Trick-or-Treat Dash for children.
The organization was founded in 2005 in memory of 20-year-old Lauren Fitzgerald. Lauren was a 2003 Wyomissing High School graduate who was diagnosed with a brain tumor while attending Drexel University. She underwent several treatments but passed away 14 months later.
The event featured a costume contest, a health services fair, activities for kids, food trucks and trick or treat bags. The foundation raises funds for a scholarship, research and expenses for families battling cancer.
This year, the event raised more than $25,000 for charitable causes.
Those causes include a scholarship program for disadvantaged Berks County students; financial assistance to families with a seriously ill child; organ donor and brain tumor awareness programs; and support for Opportunity House and the John Paul II Center for Special Learning.
Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $400,000 for the community.
Michael Fitzgerald, a founder of the organization, said all of the proceeds raised by the event are given back to the community.
“We are a 100% volunteer nonprofit with no payroll or compensation expenses,” he said.
Before the run, participants heard from a Berks County family who received rent assistance through the foundation. Amber Quinteros spoke about how her daughter, Mia, has faced unexpected hospitalizations, multiple surgeries and noted the critical care she now requires.
Participants also heard from Waylon Deans about the impact Lauren’s decision to be an organ donor had on his family. His mother, Mary Anne, was the recipient of Lauren’s donated lungs and enjoyed seven additional years of life because of that gift.
Next year’s event will be held on Oct. 26.