Home for the angels

This year marks the 20th Annual David Rice Memorial Angel Run & Walk to benefit Holy Angels. The event, like last year, will be virtual: Run your own race, at your own pace, at your own place! The 5K (3.1 miles) can be completed anytime and anywhere between April 17-24, solo or with a group.

Nestled under the pine trees on a 64-acre campus in southeast Shreveport, Holy Angels is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a path to self-fulfillment through education, empowerment, spirituality, independence and work.

“The Angel Run was established by a loving mother and father to memorialize the precious life of their son, David Rice, who was a resident of Holy Angels and passed away over 20 years ago. David lives in our hearts as the community walks or runs for him and for all of our angels,” said Laurie Boswell, chief executive officer. For Barbara and Jim Rice, the Angel Run is the highlight of their year. “It is the perfect way to remember David and help all of the Holy Angels residents in a tremendous way,” they said.

“Transitioning Angel Run into a fully virtual event in 2020 took the event to a nationwide audience,” said Matkins. Holy Angels learned that many extended family members who live out of state wanted to participate but couldn’t make it to attend in person. “It was exciting to see almost a thousand people register from 33 states – even Hawaii! We look forward to gathering together again, and we will continue to offer the virtual component for our families and supporters who can’t make it in person,” she said.

Participating in the Angel Run has been one of the favorite Driscoll family activities since their son joined Holy Angels eight years ago. “We recently relocated to North Carolina, and because of the pandemic, we were thrilled to participate in the first-ever Virtual Angel Run. Sponsoring our team, Kyle’s Krewe, was very easy and so much fun! We were able to include our friends and family across several states. Our team members participated by walking, running, biking, boating and even window shopping. We can’t wait for this year’s event!” said Sharon Driscoll.

New this year is an extended race challenge with three options: the Campus Distance Challenge (6.4 miles for the 64-acre campus on land donated by the O’Brien, Pollard and Gilster families), the Group Home Distance Challenge (13 miles for the 13 on- and off-campus group homes), and the Founding Year Distance Challenge (19.65 miles for the 1965 founding by Bishop Charles Greco).

Everyone is eligible for the AngelWorks Gift Shop Giveaway whether they walk or not. Participants should share a “Finisher Photo” by midnight April 24 on Facebook or Instagram @LAHOLYANGELS and tag it with #IRunForAngels. Event Coordinator Kelley Matkins describes how much the residents love looking at photos of participants who are running for them and selecting the favorite creative costume winner. “It’s even more fun when we see princesses or dogs with bunny ears!” she noted.

Whether you choose to walk, run or stay home, Boswell emphasizes that all registration fees and donations will be an immense asset. Holy Angels receives Medicaid funding, but there is an annual gap of $1.5 million in funds needed to properly care for those served. Eighty-five cents of every dollar raised goes directly to care for the residents and program participants whose lives have been entrusted to Holy Angels. “On behalf of our angels, I sincerely thank hundreds of community members, foundations and businesses in support of our mission,” she said.

20th Annual David Rice Memorial Angel Run & Walk

When: April 17-24

Where: Your choice!

Register online: laholyangels.org/angelrun

$30 by April 9

$35 April 10-24

AWARDS

#IRunForAngels Giveaway Highest Team Fundraising Amount

Favorite Creative Costume – residents choose!

Largest Team Size

Oldest Registered Runner

Youngest Registered Runner

Registered Runner Furthest from Holy Angels

Post photos on social media @LAHOLYANGELS and tag #IRunForAngels

Please practice social distancing and follow local guidelines.