On Saturday, May 9, we're lacing up our tennis shoes and hitting the pavement at the Amway River Bank Run/Walk to help finish funding the Ukro animal husbandry dairy farm project in partnership with Children's Hope Chest.

When complete, this small dairy operation will help provide long-term financial sustainability for the Ukro CarePoint in Ethiopia, supporting children and families for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just want to walk for a great cause, there's a place for you on the team.

You can choose from:

  • 5K Community Walk

  • 5K Run

  • 10K Run

  • 25K Run

But the real impact comes from inviting others to support you. Every participant will receive their own personal fundraising page on the Children's Hope Chest website, making it easy to invite friends and family to support the project. A few simple messages or social posts can help us raise the funds needed to bring this dairy farm to life.

Together, we can create lasting impact in Ukro.

How to Join the Team

Step 1: Register for the River Bank Run/Walk

Sign up on the River Bank Run website: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/AmwayRiverBankRun?raceRefCode=3sYzGwKZ

Registration prices vary depending on the event you choose. For example, the 5K Community Walk is normally $35, but using this link gives you a discounted rate of $30.

During registration:

  • When asked to join an existing team, choose "Children's Hope Chest" under Corporate Groups.

  • When prompted to select a charity or start a fundraiser, simply click Continue. (We'll set up the fundraising page in Step 2.)

Once you complete payment, your race registration will be finished.

Step 2: Create Your Ukro Fundraising Page

Next, visit: https://www.hopechest.org/run-signup/

At the top you'll see "Run for Hope."

During this process:

  • Choose the team "Team Ukro – Frontline Community Church."

  • Upload a photo and share briefly why you're running or walking for Ukro.

  • Set a personal fundraising goal — we encourage you to pray and ask God what that goal might be. If 136 participants raise just $250, we'll have the farm fully funded.

  • Select your t-shirt size.

And yes — you'll receive two shirts:

  • An Amway River Bank Run shirt

  • A Children's Hope Chest team shirt

(We recommend wearing the Hope Chest shirt on race day so we can represent Ukro together!)