Race organizers Jamie and Robin Hackert, on the right, present a $35,977 check to Forward with Faith Board members present at the race, from left, Shawna Goemaat, Laura Rus, Joel Van Wyk, Judy Fynaardt, Curt Hooyer, Lance Nunnikhoven, and Jerry Fynaardt.
The Second Annual Race for Ace on Saturday, June 1, raised a phenomenal $35,977 to benefit 818 Forward With Faith, a Pella-based organization that builds and manages homes for special needs adults like Acea Hackert. Saturday’s proceeds were more than double the inaugural race amount of over $14,000 last year, with both events held at Hackert Tree Farm located between Lynnville and Sully.
This year’s 128 race registrants donated to a great cause while running and walking with family, friends, and fellow competitors through scenic and hilly trails highlighting the beauty of the 100-acre Hackert Tree Farm. Breakfast was served at the end of the race when raffle drawings were also held for six items: 1/64 scale semi-truck and trailer, Blackstone Grill, Northwood Maple Tree, Allycuts Gift Basket, Bayley Morvant’s specially designed chef’s knife, and a quarter of Vander Wilt beef.
Darin Arkema was the first male to cross the finish line at the Race for Ace 5k Trail Run/Walk. The female leader was Robin Hammann.
Comments ranged from, “It was a great morning,” to “It’s just like a family reunion, so many are related to each other for a good time.” A few games of Dutch Bingo (conversations about people known and/or related to other participants) were played during the event held on a perfectly beautiful June 1 cloudy morning with the temperatures in the 60s.
“We would like to thank our amazing families, our friends, and our communities for their generosity and support for the Second Annual Race for Ace. We raised over $35,000 for 818 Forward with Faith! God provided a great day with beautiful scenery, good food, and great people!” said Jamie Hackert about the event he organized alongside his wife Robin. “We would also like to thank the many individuals and businesses who contributed to the event.”
