Hundreds Join ICF’s 10th Annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K to Benefit Iraq's Most Vulnerable Children

Written By Cindy Fogleman

Washington, DC – On Saturday, May 21, hundreds in Washington, DC and around the world joined the Iraqi Children Foundation’s tenth annual run/walk to benefit Iraq’s most vulnerable children, including  orphans, street kids, child laborers, disabled children, and child victims of trafficking.      

After two years of virtual events only, ICF welcomed a return to an in person “In Their Shoes 5K” in Washington, DC, at the National Park Service’s beautiful Hains Point park, along the scenic Potomac River.  In addition to the in person run/walk, a global virtual option allowed participants from other U.S. cities and around the world to join the celebration in support of Iraq’s children.

The Iraqi Children Foundation is grateful to corporate sponsors of the 5K for their generous support of projects for Iraqi children in Baghdad and Mosul, including Al-Khudairi Rentals and Al Nadir of the Khudairi Group, L3Harris, Numerus Group, Objective Area Solutions, and Crescent Petroleum. 

ICF also applauds its long time partners who join the annual run/walk for Iraq’s children:  Enabling Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC), Karadah Project, Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB), Iraqi-American Young Professionals (IAYP), and Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI).  The EPIC 5K team won honors in two categories:  largest 5K team for 2022, and Caleb Gustafson won first place in the boy’s category.

Washington Monument peeks from the trees before 5K start

Distinguished Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s 2022 5K included:

  • Bob Woodruff, ABC News Correspondent

  • Mohammed H. Al Fityan, Charge d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, Washington, DC

  • Col. Dean L. Winslow, M.D. (Ret.) former Medical Squadron Commander

  • Mr. Aziz Khudairi, CEO and Chairman, Khudairi Group

  • Kelly Swanson and Cynthia Ozbat, Gold Star Mothers

  • Dr. Assil Saleh

  • Steve Lutes, Vice President, Middle East Affairs, US Chamber of Commerce

Two long standing supporters returned in 2022 as Honorary Co-Chairs Emeritus:  Former US Ambassador to Iraq and Medal of Freedom Recipient Ryan Crocker (Ret.), and Former Ambassador of Iraq to the United States Fareed Yasseen (Ret.) 

Caleb and Erik Gustafson

Mohammed Husham Al Fityan, Charge d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of Iraq.

In addition to $90,000 in annual corporate support, ICF has also raised over $5,000 from smaller donors in connection with the run/walk celebration.  Funds are invested in ICF’s high impact projects including the Street Lawyers, Hope Buses, and anti-trafficking initiative in Baghdad and a safe place for vulnerable teen girls in Mosul.  Companies or individuals interested in being a part of this effort may contact ICF Executive Director Liz McRae at liz@iraqichildren.org 

* * * * * 

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) intervenes in the lives of children who are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation by criminals, traffickers, and extremists.  ICF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity (EIN 26-1394773).  Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  For more information, visit www.iraqichildren.org or email liz@iraqichildren.org

ICF Board Member Ali Halabi live on Al Jazeera

Cindy Fogleman
Previous

Iraqi Children Foundation Team Joins Partners in Grand Opening of third “Hope Bus” for Orphans and Vulnerable Iraqi Children in Baghdad
Next

Coming May 21: ICF’s 10th Annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K to Benefit Iraq's Most Vulnerable Children