Jamie and Robin Hackert announce the $14,000-plus raised from the first annual Race For Ace fundraiser on the beautiful Saturday morning, June 3. The awed expressions of the 818 Forward With Faith members say it all. “The community support was just phenomenal,” Jamie Hackert said. The check was presented to 818 founders Judy and Jerry Fynaardt.
Over 200 people gathered at Hackert Tree Farm for the inaugural Race for Ace, a 5k trail run/walk on Saturday, June 3. All proceeds from the event benefitted 818 Forward With Faith, a Pella-based organization that builds and manages homes for special needs adults like Acea Hackert, son of race organizers Jamie and Robin Hackert. Participants not only raised over $14,000 for a great cause, but they got to do so by walking or running with family, friends, and fellow competitors through scenic trails highlighting the beauty that makes up the 100-acre Hackert Tree Farm located west of Lynnville.
Over 200 people enjoyed breakfast before the big race.
The Hackerts were blown away by the public’s response. They quickly exceeded their original goal of 100 participants shortly after opening up registration in May. On Saturday’s race day, Race for Ace featured 140 registrants and even more supporters who were present to cheer on competitors and enjoy the breakfast. The Hackerts are grateful to everyone who contributed to the first Race for Ace which raised over $14,000 for Forward with Faith.
Runners commented the scenery at Hackert Tree Farm was second to none and several said the hills made it one of the hardest courses they have ever run.
Blake Wilmesmeier was the first to cross the finish line at the inaugural Race for Ace 5K Trail Run/Walk on Saturday. The female leader was Mia Greubel of Bondurant.
Blake Wilmesmeier was the first to cross the finish line.
“We were blown away by the response,” said Jamie. “Virtually everyone we spoke to when organizing the event said yes. The breakfast, which served over 200 people, was entirely donated. What an outpouring!”
While Jamie and Robin will enjoy a few days of calm after the buildup of such a successful event, they are already excited to build on it for next year’s race.
