Iraq's Ambassador, Alexandria Mayor, Dignitaries, Veterans to Champion Iraqi Children at 5K; Petraeus, Crocker, Lend Support
APRIL 18, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Heather Freeman (800) 987-9806
Heather@HeatherFreeman.com
Elizabeth Baudhuin (202) 360-6796
Elizabeth@HeatherFreeman.com
Washington, D.C. (April 12, 2016) –The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), is hosting its fourth annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K Run/Walk in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, May 14th to benefit Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS. Funds raised provide social services and legal aid to children at risk of trafficking and recruitment by terrorist organizations. This 5K unites diverse advocates in an unprecedented nonpartisan coalition to support these children.
The Honorable Allison Silberberg, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and His Excellency Lukman Faily, Ambassador of Iraq to the U.S. will kick off the fundraising 5K event that brings runners, walkers and families together in support of this worthwhile cause. Check-in is at 7:00 AM, race time 8:00 AM, starting at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 600 Dulany Street Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314. Register here or make a tax deductible donation to the ICF effort here.
Former US Ambassador to Iraq and Medal of Freedom recipient Ryan C. Crocker (ret) who is on the 5K honorary committee observed, “While I was in Iraq in March, it was evident a new generation is emerging, unlike any other Iraq has ever known. With access to the Internet and the right to think and speak freely, they can reshape this nation and the region. They need our help to change history.”
General (Ret.) David Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq during The Surge, also on the 5K honorary committee says, “I am very pleased to be associated with the Iraqi Children Foundation and its efforts to help the children of the Land Between the Two Rivers.” Link to photo here.
Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, Deputy Commander, US Forces-Afghanistan, and a 5K honorary committee member notes, “Serving in Iraq four times from 2003-2011 was one of the greatest honors of my life. I grew to know and love the Iraqi people and am humbled to be associated with the Iraqi Children Foundation; they make a real difference for the future of Iraq.” Link to photo here.
IN THEIR SHOES 5K honorary committee members include Ambassador Lukman Faily, Ambassador Samir Sumaida’ie (Ret.), Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker (Ret.), Ambassador James F. Jeffrey (Ret.), Ambassador Richard Schmierer (Ret.), Ambassador William Taylor (Ret.), Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann (Ret.), General David Petraeus (Ret.), Major General Jeffery Buchanan, Dr. Jeremy Kohomban, Janice Chance, Gold Star Mother; Tony Culley-Foster and Shameem Rassam.
Key sponsors of IN THEIR SHOES include Khudairigroup, BH Defense, The Children’s Village, Magnolia’s On King and Sallyport. All sponsor funds go directly to providing care to Iraqi children. This event is also supported by an array of veteran led organizations that serve as strategic partners for IN THEIR SHOES, including Team Red White and Blue, EPIC, Goals and Dreams, and the Karadah Project.
Chairman Jonathan Webb, a founding member of ICF, who served in the Marine Corps and the United States Army, describes the healing impact it can have on veterans to be a part of IN THEIR SHOES. “It is said that when it comes to conflicts, especially those where we have not been successful in restoring peace, engaging with the children and supporting their needs can have an indelible impact on veteran’s psychosocial healing. For many veterans, the 5K provides an opportunity to make sure that the sacrifice of thousands of American men and women is not wasted, and to reach back in love to help these voiceless children. We want them to know they are not forgotten.” Link to photo here. Find ICF logo here.
By participating in this event, or making a donation in support of the cause, one can make an enduring impact in the life of a child. A donation of just $20 can be vital in helping a child get off the street and back into school, or provide access to their government food rations, while a donation of $100 can help save a child that is at risk of human trafficking or being recruited for terrorist activities. ICF has a goal of raising $200,000 in 2016, which will enable them to impact the lives of 2,000 at risk children in Iraq.
About the Iraqi Children Foundation:
The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), ICF is a Virginia based nonsectarian, nonpartisan tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charity led by volunteers, including Americans who served in Iraq and Iraqi-Americans. ICF is committed to providing loving care to Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS. ICF has no salaried staff and operates from donated office space to minimize overhead costs. ICF enjoys GuideStar’s highest Gold designation for transparency. Learn more about ICF here.