CORDOVA — An upcoming weekend run will help benefit a place that caters towards families with special needs children.
The inaugural Krystal Dawn Retreat 5k and 1 Mile Walk is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Cordova Fire Department.
Babara and Leo McAuley started work on the retreat several years ago after moving to Richmond County. It’s named in honor of Barbara’s late daughter, Krystal Dawn, who endured more than 50 surgeries during her short 13 years of life.
Click here to read more about the background.
Since opening, Krystal Dawn Retreat has held several events each year — featuring paddleboat rides, various games and a petting zoo — for children with various special needs, especially autism, and their families.
Barbara McAuley said she was talking to Lori Swails about fundraisers to help finance the free events.
“We plan to make this a yearly thing, every year in the spring … to raise money for all these awesome events that they’re able to put on,” said Swails.
Swails, who has a 26-year-old daughter who is nonverbal with ambulatory issues, has been to “quite a few” events at Krystal Dawn over the years.
Within the past year, the McAuleys have added a large picnic shelter to the 32-acre property to accommodate the families more, according to Leo McAuley.
He said there are also plans for a concession building, with a kitchen, bathrooms and storage.
“We want these families to come somewhere where they just feel welcome, feel loved,” Leo McAuley said. “We’re pouring out everything we can to make them feel that way.
“Nothing’s more awesome than to see these kids running around out here having fun.”
Barbara McAuley said it’s not just about the kids, but the parents too.
“Because as a family, they’re enjoying this and they’re seeing their kids enjoy it and it’s therefore making them enjoy it,” she said.
“When the parents take these kids out in public, the work so hard to try to control their behaviors,” Swails added. “Here, they’re able to completely be themselves — total inclusion, total acceptance …so they can have a great time.”
The route for the run, according to Swails, will be the same as the one used in the Cordova School 5k more than a decade ago.
Pre-registration is $35 for the run and $30 for the walk until Friday, May 9, and costs increase by $5 each on the day of the event. Kids 6 and under can participate for free.
Participants can register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Cordova/KrystalDawnRetreat5KAndMileWalk
The third annual Blast and Cast, held in conjunction with Cordova Baptist Church, is slated for May 17.
