Remember the Kilareski family from Woodbridge – the ones raising funds for Team Sadie for the Baltimore Running Festival? Well on October 15, they ran at the festival and exceeded their $20,012 fundraising goal.
The Kilareski family has been running as part of Team Sadie at the festival for seven years, and the motivation behind their dedication to this cause hits close to home.
“The Kilareski family runs every year to support JHCC (Johns Hopkins Children’s Center) because their daughter would not be alive today without the persistent doctors at JHCC who could handle Sarah’s very complex case,” stated a release.
Matt Kilareski selected a fundraising goal of $10,012 because it was Team Sadie’s 10th year and he turned 12 this month, according to a release.
Sarah Kilareski selected a $10,000 goal in honor of her 10th birthday this month, stated a release.
Team Sadie is part of the Sadie’s Gift organization which has “purchased necessary equipment, provided a private family consultation room…and now funds an annual training weekend for pediatric intensive care doctors from all over the US,” according to a release.
With determination and a goal in mind, the Kilareskis worked hard to achieve their fundraising goals.
“Matt cut neighbors’ lawns, with all the money going toward his race. His sister took over cutting grass when Matt had to have surgery on his foot. Sarah pet sat. They both worked together for homemade lemonade stands at the neighborhood pool this summer. They wrote letters, knocked on doors and asked many people to support their race. They did not stop until they reached their goals,” stated a release.
Several local businesses stepped in to help the family including Masters Salon, Polaris Press, Frostie Moose, Armetta’s, and the Virginia Roofing Corporation.
Through hard work Matt Kilareski raised $10,238 and Sarah Kilareski raised $10,226, beating their goal by $452, according to a release.
“Woodbridge is a great community that supports children dreaming big and working hard for a great cause—to help other children,” stated Carrie Kilareski.
