On Sunday, October 1, thousands of student-athletes from more than 90 colleges and universities, alongside Team IMPACT families, friends and supporters, came together to walk, run or roll their way to a 5K. From Boston to Los Angeles, everyone participated in their own way – some teams took a run together, many participants walked alone, or alongside friends and family in their own community, while others got creative including a 5K dog walk from our friends at Fresno State.
It was incredible to see the support from campuses, families, and friends of Team IMPACT. While not all physically together, thousands of individuals were participating in the same way at the same time for the same cause. The impact of the day showcases how meaningful the experience is for families and student-athletes alike.
“From the moment Team IMPACT was first introduced at our Leadership Summit last spring, the Campus Apartments team has been excited to make an impact in our communities across the country. The All In 5k was the culmination of a lot of hard work and an exciting day for our teams everywhere. Team IMPACT, their student-athletes, and the families they serve are truly part of our A Bigger initiative, and we could not be more proud to partner with them.”
– Dan Bernstein, President and CIO, Campus Apartments
Abby Marsh was one of over 180 participants on Sacred Heart University’s All In 5K team. Their campus had the highest participation across the country, and it was an easy choice they all made to support their Team IMPACT teammates. “These kids and families face a lot of hardships, but Team IMPACT gives them something to look forward to and a huge support system.
Jacki Gammage-Troutman, VP of Campus Operations at Campus Apartments, said “No support or contribution I give could compare to the joy Team IMPACT brings to these families.” This year, Campus Apartments has partnered with Team IMPACT by committing $100,000 to the organization, and helped bring the All In 5K to life with races in Philly, Washington DC and Baton Rouge and more than 210 of their staff participating across the country.
“Ava loves her teammates and she shines every time they are together. It’s truly miraculous to witness.“
Mom of Ava, matched with University of Tennessee’s Women’s Soccer
University of Tennessee’s All In 5K team was among the top five highest campus fundraisers this year. Ava, University of Tennessee women’s soccer match, joined her teammates for the walk. Her mom joined as well, and explained the benefits they’ve felt through Team IMPACT. “My daughter was matched with the University of Tennessee Soccer team and it has been truly life changing for our whole family. Ava loves her teammates and she shines every time they are together. It’s truly miraculous to witness.”
In the Midwest, Team IMPACT supporters came out strong on campus and off. Dozens of student-athletes, coaches, and team administration at the University of Kansas and University of Michigan came together on their respective campuses and created their own route they could walk. In Chicago, advisory board chair Terra Fuller Kulpins walked with a group of 26 friends, raising over $2,500. “It was a beautiful day representing Team IMPACT with friends for an incredible cause.”
Student-athletes at Fresno State hit the pavement alongside their dogs to make an impact as well. “Their [Team IMPACT’s] mission is one of a kind and they have such an influential why,” says Ashton Conley. “I believe Team IMPACT is and will be life changing to our community.”
Howard University’s All In 5K was extra special, as their men’s basketball team hosted their signing day for 10-year-old Dom right before the walk. Dom’s dad EJ reflected on what the Team IMPACT experience has been like for Dom, who was born with Pfeiffer Syndrome.
“It’s been difficult for us to go out in public because he does look different. That’s quite taxing on a family like ours when we can’t even go to dinner. We were a little bit skeptical opening up our young son to young college people…but that skepticism was alleviated immediately our first visit. That means the world to us for so many to show our little man as much love as this basketball team does.”
We thank all of our incredible student-athletes, donors, friends and families for a successful All In 5K! You came together for your local community, but are making an impact with even greater reach, helping get every kid in the game.
All In 5K Gallery
