Miles for Smiles run raises funds for children with cleft palates

Adults, children and students alike congregated at the SHS track to run/walk and raise money for the Smile Train on March 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The organization is committed to providing surgeries for children with cleft palates.

Approximately 50 people came to the run, which raised approximately $9,000 for the organization, enough money to fund surgeries for 36 children.

Junior Ankitha Sarvesh, president of the Miles for Smiles club, started planning the event in November. She decided to have a run as a way to promote exercise as well as raise funds for Smile Train.

“I’m so happy and proud of all the people that came out this morning, and I also think that it went well in terms of money,” Sarvesh said.

In the Sports Plaza, Sarvesh set up a table and board for participants to sign in and donate to the cause. She also had Cuties, water, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Smile Train wristbands, pedometers, informational pamphlets, Smile Train shirts and water for the runners.

The Smile Train helped sponsor the run by giving Sarvesh resources such as the pedometers, shirts and pamphlets. Nothing Bundt Cakes also helped sponsor the run by providing Sarvesh with free sample size pieces of their cakes.

Runners either ran or walked around the track with their friends to music blasting from the speakers at the top of the bleachers. The ambience of the track was energizing and those who participated were motivated to run for the cause Sarvesh was promoting.

“I really enjoyed this break from school because I could hang out and catch up with my friends,” junior Meera Rachamallu said. “It was also just so rewarding because I was able to run five miles and help children in need.”