Miles for Smiles puts new shoes on children’s feet

Miles for Smiles – 7 Years and Still Running Strong

Steve Heslinga (center), on behalf of the Rotary Club of Hyannis, delivered a $10,000 check to Katelynn’s Closet to purchase New Balance running shoes for children through Hanlon's Shoes. Also pictured: Katelynn's Closet cofounder and board member Beth Davis (left) and program coordinator Gina Anderson (right).

2020 Race: The Rotary Club of Hyannis has donated 335 pairs of children’s shoes, thanks to funds raised through the 2020 Miles for Smiles race. The New Balance running shoes are distributed in the Barnstable community by Katelynn’s Closet, which serves children in need through requests from school nurses and social workers.

The 2020 event took place the weekend of May 15. Despite its being held virtually because of the pandemic, runner participation was 90 percent of the previous year’s, and the race raised more than $11,000 to provide brand-new shoes for children.

The Rotary Club of Hyannis partnered with Hanlon’s Shoes & New Balance for purchase, and Katelynn’s Closet for distribution. Pat Lentell of SEMC Sports organized the run; rotary members involved were Kelly Skala, Steve Heslinga, and Jitka Borowick, who helped initiate this tradition four years ago.

2022 race: Steve Heslinga, on behalf of the Rotary club of Hyannis, delivered a $10,000 check to Katelynn’s Closet. The funds were raised via the club’s 6th annual Miles for Smiles 5k/10k road race. Nearly 200 runners participated in the 2022 race, the largest turnout by more than 20 percent.  Katelynn’s Closet will use the funds to provide more than 250 pairs of new shoes to children in need on Cape Cod and the Islands. Established in 2009, Katelynn’s Closet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides needy children on Cape Cod and the Islands, ages 4 to 18, with clothing, footwear, and other necessities to help them maintain their dignity and foster self-esteem.

2024 race: Preparation is already underway for the next Miles for Smiles race, scheduled for October, 2024. We are looking forward to another great turnout and encourage you to sign up!

Sponsorship Opportunities are available including:

·         Presenting Sponsor

·         Supporting Sponsor

·         Water Stop Sponsor

·         Bib Sponsor

·         T-Shirt Sponsor

·         Mile Marker Sponsor

·         Smiles Supporter

Contact Kelley Sullivan via email at [email protected] or by calling 508-737-1632.