Despite the overcast, sometimes damp conditions on Saturday, March 23, participants took to the start to walk and run in what has become a tradition in the Jacksonville community.
Originating over a decade ago, the Kilwins Jacksonville Ice Cream Run was founded by Dana and Vance Stallings of Jacksonville, as a gesture of gratitude for the services their daughter, Haley, now 29 years old, received at Clarke.
“I always get excited for the run,” says Melanie Jensen, Clarke’s development and communications manager. “It was such a great day, with everyone coming together—runners, sponsors, Clarke families, community leaders and many Clarke Board members and staff. Our participants and staff eagerly anticipate this day, and our community partners are thrilled to engage with the community and give back to Clarke through their sponsorships.”
Featuring a timed 5K run and a one-mile run/walk around the scenic St. Johns Town Center, participants are rewarded with free, all-you-can-eat Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream at the conclusion of the run. Before the 5K, the crowd-favorite Kiddie Dash took place, with dozens of Clarke students running a 100 yards together into the waiting arms of the Kilwins giant moose!
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Jacksonville community, the event surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal and raised over $113,000. Donations are still being accepted, with all proceeds benefiting Clarke Florida’s programs and services, which empower students who are deaf or hard of hearing to develop listening and spoken language (LSL) skills.
