1LT Robert F. Welch III Run For Our Heroes
All proceeds from our Silent Auction will go to support the efforts of the 1LT Robert F. Welch III Charity in our mission to Honor, Celebrate, and Support our military and first responders through community outreach while preserving the memory of our fallen heroes.
The 1LT Robert F. Welch III Run for our Heroes Race was created by Becky Welch in an effort to preserve the memory of her late husband, 26 year-old Army 1LT Rob Welch, who was killed in Afghanistan on 3 April 2011. Her goal was to pay tribute to her husband and other Fallen Soldiers, as well as use the event to say thank you to those currently serving, local Veterans, Firemen, and Police officers. With help from her friend, Alicia Young began to take shape. With the support of family, friends, and community members, the first annual Run for our Heroes Race took place on 14 April 2012 marking Welch’s 1 year “Angel”versary. Ever since, the event is held every year in April, the month of 1LT Welch's "Angel"versary. The Run for our Heroes has grown substantially with each year as more and more supporters learn about us. The day's event includes a 5k and 1 mile run/walk throughout the morning and Vendor Fair from 9-2 pm in Olde City Park. The event also includes a FREE meal for all veterans, active military, firemen, police officers and their families in appreciation for their service. In an effort to showcase the gratitude we have for our heroes, there is also a "Tribute to our Heroes" area set up to honor those who serve by way of pictures and displays. Along with booth spaces for vendors, the Run for our Heroes also offers many children's activities, live musical acts, and various military displays. Proceeds from the event benefit the 1LT Robert F. Welch III charitable foundation and are used to help support the needs of local veterans, fire departments, police departments, and Gold Star families. Proceeds are also used to support the educational needs of local students through donations to the Wylie ISD Education Foundation. With the money raised in the events first two years, we were able to establish the 1LT Robert F. Welch III Memorial Endowment which provides for a yearly scholarship to be awarded to a deserving high school student from Wylie High School and Wylie East High School who exemplify the tenets of community service. In the last few years, we have been able to begin funding educational grants through the Foundation. Other donations made by the organization include supporting the local American Legion, the Wylie Police Department K-9 unit, assisting families of fallen soldiers, and support of the local Veterans food pantry housed within the Wylie National Guard Armory. As our event continues to grow, we look forward to being able to expand our efforts and help support the needs of our local military, fire, and police personnel and their families.
Visit our Website to learn more - https://www.1ltwelchrunforourheroes.org/