This will be my first run event that I will be participating in since the year 2000! I never thought I'd be able to run in a 5K since I've had chronic knee pain most of my life. With the help and encouragement of my PT friend (who I am virtually training with), I have been able to make great strides and feel pretty great! I have volunteered with the Firecracker organization for the last 5 years and am thankful to be part of such an amazing organization that is run solely by volunteers that just want to give back to the community and put on a great event for over 9K walkers, runners and bikers of all ages.
Here's more of my Firecracker story:
Volunteering with Firecracker is my small way of giving back to a community that embraced me while growing up as a "weekend Chinatown kid." As my parents drove to Chinatown each weekend to meet up with friends for mahjong, we kids tagged along and basically roamed the few small blocks encompassing the lively and quaint town. The voices and faces of the shop owners, restaurant staff and the general community are still vivid memories because of the care and kindness they demonstrated toward me during my youth.
As part of the Firecracker family, I've learned that we all love to eat and share meals together - food always makes us way more productive! I have also learned that great teamwork is the key to producing fun and successful events for over 9,000 participants. As a part of the Firecracker family, I have gained confidence that someone will always have my back - the Firecracker way.
My most treasured Firecracker memory with Firecracker is the year I was the Refreshment Chair and had the privilege of volunteering with the senior ladies of the Chinatown Senior Service Center. I recall them showing up bright and early with their sleeves rolled up, eager and ready to support me in any way I needed. We instantly connected when they smiled and understood my horribly-broken, elementary Chinese that I slowly pieced together. I have gained eight additional "grandmas" who warm my and bring a smile to my face each time we meet.
Thank you in advance for joining me in my efforts to give back to a community that gave so much to me as a youth. You can donate in support of my fundraiser or better yet, sign up to participate and fundraise also! All funds raised will go directly back to the community.
Many Blessings,
Gloria Gee (Awards/Medals Chair)
Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Run Committee, Inc is a registered 501(C)(3). Tax ID 95-4440752
P.O. Box 86132
Los Angeles, Calif. 90086
Nonprofit 501c3 - Tax ID No. 95-4440752
www.firecracker10k.org
www.instagram.com/firecracker10k
www.facebook.com/thefirecracker10k
