An inaugural race to raise money for families who want to adopt children will soon be held in Grant Park.
The Adopted By You 5K & Fun Run was developed by friends Doug Spicer, of Marietta, and Kecia Tomlin, of Atlanta.
The idea came to Spicer after he adopted a baby boy with his partner, a process during which he saw "how expensive it is to adopt and how upfront costs of adoption can often delay or prevent adoptions from happening," according to the website. Spicer discussed his idea with Tomlin, and she jumped on board.
The pair partnered with the charity Gift of Adoption, which provides assistance grants that help ease the financial burden of the adoption process. All proceeds from the event will go toward completing adoptions for families in Georgia.
Some adoptions run over $40,000 in expenses. The average GOA grant applicant faces $25,000 in upfront expenses such as legal fees, home-study costs and agency and travel costs, according to the charity.
Tomlin expects a few hundred people to attend this first event, but hopes it grows into a annual tradition.
“Our goal is to do this event every year, so the hope is that it will grow into something larger,” Tomlin said in an email.
Bob Rathbun, the play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Hawks, will act of the race emcee.
The June 10 event will be held at 585 Cherokee Ave. SE. The 5K, intended for athletes, costs $30 and begins at 8 a.m. The Fun Run, designed for general fitness walking, costs $25 and starts 15 minutes later. Registration ends June 7.
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