When the rain started falling on the morning of June 21, Village Shalom staff knew it would make for a wet Father’s Day Run. What they didn’t know was how many people would show in a downpour.

To their surprise, more than 400 participants, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, family members and supporters came together for Village Shalom’s Father’s Day Run. Nearly 500 participants and volunteers had registered for this year’s event benefiting Village Shalom’s Memory Support programs, and despite the weather, they showed up in a big way.

Throughout the morning, runners splashed through puddles, volunteers handed out water in ponchos, sponsors welcomed participants from under tents and families cheered from the sidelines. It was not the Father’s Day weather staff had hoped for, but it did not stop people from coming together for a cause that means so much to so many.

Staff noted one story in particular that captured the spirit of the day.

For more than 30 years, Village Shalom resident Doug was a runner. He completed countless 10Ks, half marathons and full marathons. Running was not just something he enjoyed — it was part of who he was.

Today, Doug lives in Village Shalom’s Memory Support neighborhood. When his family and longtime running buddies learned about the Father’s Day Run, they wanted to find a way for Doug to be part of it. Together, they modified Doug’s wheelchair and created Team Doug.

Family members and friends took turns pushing Doug through the course, honoring not only his years as a runner, but also the friendships and relationships that have remained strong throughout his journey. Since moving to Village Shalom, several of Doug’s running buddies have continued to visit him regularly, often stopping by multiple times each week.

As Team Doug made its way along the course, it reminded attendees that memory is not about what someone can no longer do; it is about finding ways to continue celebrating who they are and helping them stay connected to the things that have brought meaning to their lives.

After crossing the finish line, Doug shared that he had a wonderful time. Staff said that anyone who saw the smile on his face that morning already knew that.

“Team Doug” crossing the finish line of Village Shalom Father’s Day Run on June 21.

Stories like Doug’s are why many consider the Father’s Day Run so much more than a race.

In addition to the 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run, participants enjoyed family activities, food and beverage vendors, raffles and Village Shalom’s interactive Memory Support Experience Tent, where visitors could learn more about dementia and innovative approaches to memory support.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers and community partners. The Robert S. Gershon Associate Board continues its commitment to Village Shalom and support of events that benefit its residents and families.

Sari Cohen served as emcee and helped build excitement for the event through her energy, enthusiasm and support.

Volunteers were responsible for everything from early morning setup to staffing water stations, cheering on runners, handing out medals and helping tear everything down, creating a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for everyone involved.

The Father’s Day Run’s benefactor sponsor was Bretton’s Lawn, LLC. Support for the run and memory support was also provided by Irene Bettinger, Johnson Kendall Johnson, NEXDINE and the Polsky Family Charitable Foundation. Other sponsors included Alloy Personal Training; Barry Kaseff and Lynne Melcher; CarePatrol; Centerpointe Advisory Group; Discovery Strength; DMI; Enable Dental; The Exercise Coach; Heartland Racewalkers; Image Truck Partners; Janet Mark and Frank Lipsman; JEA Graphics; Jefferson’s; Kahn Steel; Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care; Kaw Valley Companies; Krigel Nugent + Moore; Linda Clarkson; Menorah Medical Center; MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital; Midwest Healthcare Services; Miriam and Eric Kaseff; NuSpine Chiropractic; Party Krashin; Perspire Sauna Studio; Precision Print; Property Tax Advisory Group; RBC Wealth Advisors; Robert Gershon; Rosalyn and Howard Jacobson; Rivers Edge Scrap; Slabotsky’s Menswear & Tailoring; Solea Energy; SummitCare; Supplement Superstore; Tidy Up Angels; Transparent Brewery; and Validity Screening Solutions.