Join us at the Racquet Club of Memphis
for one of the largest 5k races in Memphis.
July 3, 2010 at 7:00pm
Following the race is a pool party, live music, food, drinks, and FUN!
Photos from 2010 Firecracker
Register online: www.firecracker5k.com
2010 Limited Edition Print. Available for purchase at the race expo or email
From Susan Hedgepeth, Race Director -
It is hard for me to believe the Comcast Firecracker 5k for St Jude is fast approaching. Those that work alongside me know this is about the time of year I start complaining. The amount of time and effort it takes to put on this event at times seems insurmountable and I know it could never get done with out the help of my Firecracker Staff (listed below) and the hundreds of wonderful volunteers that eagerly offer to help. These volunteers, along with the Firecracker staff, experience the joy of giving and the feeling of making a difference. We have learned that we can not change the world and we can’t make everyone’s life situation what we would like it to be, but if we do try to show others that there IS hope and that others do care. I believe we have come to realize that by doing this, perhaps our world will change around us in ways we can not see or understand. Each year I am reminded of this when I receive a letter like the one I below. I am reminded of the true meaning of the Comcast Firecracker 5k…. why it was started, what it means to me and others…..and in the end, it is us that have been blessed, truly blessed in ways that I can not describe.
A story of Hope~
Mrs. Hedgepeth,
My name is Paula Callender. My daughter Allison is currently a patient at St. Jude. In January I made the typical New Year's resolutions that we each make but, this year I vowed to only make one. By making one I knew I could keep my focus on that single goal and be proud of myself for achieving it. That single goal was to get back into running and complete a 5K race. Little did I know that in February our lives would be turned upside down. Alli was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and we moved from small town Louisiana to big city Memphis. Since I've been here I've tried to get back on track with my running but it's been difficult.
However, as I walked through the Kay Kafe the other day I noticed the sign for the Firecracker 5K. I stood there a long time, knowing I'm probably not ready and feeling defeated before I even start. But then I began to think about all my baby girl (4 years old) has had to go through I know I would feel like a REAL failure if I didn't even at least try the race. So after much thought and phone calls to my husband I am ready to race!!
I have absolutely no idea why I thought you needed to hear all this. I suppose that I wanted you to know, along with each person involved in the planning of such an event, how much I appreciate your support of a place like St. Jude. I am continuously amazed by the staff of this wonderful place and the people of Memphis and around the world who give so much of their time and talents for the single benefit of a child like mine. I pray that our paths cross one day so I can shake your hand in person. One things for sure, when you look out into that sea of people on race day know this; one of those women is the mom of Allison Callender.
Sincerely,
Paula S. Callender
www.caringbridge.org/visit/alli_gator_callender
I asked Paula if I could send her letter to Geoff Calkins at the Commercial Appeal and this was her response:
Please feel free to use any information that you can about Alli and her journey. My family and myself will spend the rest of our lives giving back in any way possible to this wonderful place. Our lives have been forever changed because of the vision of a man named Danny Thomas and the fulfillment of his dream in St. Jude.
God's love and mine,
Paula Callender
May all of your dreams
bloom like daisies in the sun
And may you always have
stars in your eyes
And may you not stop running
until your race is won
And may you always have
blue skies.
SPECIAL THANKS TO FIRECRACKER 5K SPONSORS For St Jude
Our Title Sponsor:
Comcast
Presenting Sponsors:
Fleet Feet Sports
Menard, Gates & Mathis
Bryan Foods
Ognibene Foot Clinic
Q107.5
Mercedes Benz of Memphis
NATI Telephone & Data Systems
Regions Morgan Keegan
Supporting Sponsors:
T-Aerospace, LLC
At Home Tennessee magazine
Allied Waste
Clear Mountain Water
Central Imaging
Classic Party Rentals
CFH Financial Services, Inc.
D. Canale
Drs. Libby, Harrison, and Couch Orthodontists
Doubletree Memphis
First Data
La Croix
KIX 106
KIM 98.9
MCR Safety
Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
Memphis Flyer
Memphis Health & Fitness Sports Magazine
Memphis Magazine
MidSouth Pain Treatment Center
Ortho Memphis
Rose Construction
RSVP Magazine
Soldiers of St Jude
Soul Classics 103.5
The Max
XMC, Inc
Zebra Marketing
Associate Sponsors:
Riviera Pool & Spa Services, Inc.
Jimmy Humphreys
Corporate Sponsors:
Unilever
Firecracker Friends:
Best Times
Bluff City Sports
Disc Jockeys, Ect
Memphis Police Dept and Lt. Wright
Memphis Runners Track Club
Paul Chandler, Resource Entertainment Group
Firecracker 5k Staff:
Ann Frayser
Bill Minkus
Terry Dahlman
Harry Scott
Annette Poole
Wain Rubenstein
Ron McCrary
Lisa Pollock
Steve Stone
Jean Benham
Kelly Luckett
Jack Quinlan
Wilson Barbee
Lona and Lee Maupin
Mike McCormick
Bob Shannon
Darrell Riffe
Jill Street
Tony Delgado