What is the Gratitude Run?

The Gratitude Run is a nonprofit organization that started as a Thanksgiving Day 5K run to support a friend's husband with cancer, and has since expanded to help multiple families in the community facing health hardships.

How much money did the inaugural Gratitude Run event raise?

The first Gratitude Run event in 2022 drew 300 participants and raised around $100,000 for the family of Jessica Smith, whose husband had recently passed away from cancer.

How does the Gratitude Run help families today?

The Gratitude Run now provides financial assistance to two families annually who are experiencing health-related hardships due to cancer, allowing them to use the funds for expenses like college, housing, or other needs.

Home / Lifestyle / Thanksgiving Run Evolves into Nonprofit Aiding Local Families in Need

Thanksgiving Run Evolves into Nonprofit Aiding Local Families in Need

16 Nov

•

Summary

Thanksgiving 5K started to support friend's husband with cancer
Event drew 300 people and raised $100,000 for the family
Gratitude Run now helps 2 families annually facing health hardships

Thanksgiving Run Evolves into Nonprofit Aiding Local Families in Need

In November 2022, a Thanksgiving Day run organized to raise money for a friend's husband with terminal cancer has blossomed into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit called "The Gratitude Run." The event, founded by Chris Weiss, was initially held to support Jessica Smith, whose husband had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Just a week after his passing, the community came together for a 5K walk/run on Thanksgiving morning, surprising Weiss with 300 participants and raising around $100,000 for the Smith family.

"It makes you realize that you're not alone," Jessica Smith reflected. "I think that it's also important to recognize that everybody's going through something, and we may not always see it, but they need our help. So, to show up for our neighbors is really the most important thing we can do."