Recently, $3,500 was raised for our scholars at a Bubble Tea Run!
Eighty-five supporters of FIH recently completed a 5k run fundraiser, where they were rewarded with boba at the finish line. This year, the Bubble Tea Run was organized by Katey Lau, a high school student in San Francisco. The mission of Freely in Hope has been made possible through our community of advocates and givers, like Katey, who fund our efforts to end sexual violence. Katey shared with us her motivation for planning this fundraiser and an important message for other advocates.
How have you connected to our mission of ending sexual violence?
Katey: I have always felt drawn to help make a positive impact in the world, and Freely in Hope has provided me with the opportunity to do just that. Because I was born in the United States I have been privileged to have access to free education. I am inspired by the fact that I can help survivors take advantage of the opportunities that I was given. Even though I have never experienced sexual assault, I want to do my part in offering FIH scholars the freedom to heal.
What sparked the idea to organize a 5k fundraising event?
Katey: My friend Kristen had the idea to organize an FIH fundraiser back in 2015 and asked if I would help. At our first Bubble Tea Run, we raised less than $1,000, but we continued hosting these runs every other year.
This year, Kristen was unable to attend so I took up the opportunity to lead. I typed down everything I would need to plan: boba, prizes, invites, scheduling. As I gathered information, I began to recruit a team that included my mom and Kristen’s family. We collaborated and slowly pulled all the moving pieces together. To invite donors, we made a list of previous attendees, sent out mass emails, and advertised at Salvation Army volleyball games as well. Six years and four fundraisers later, our most recent 5k holds a record of 85 participants and $3,500 raised!
What would you like to tell readers and advocates about leaving an impact?
Katey: Anything helps! Even if you think that you are unable to leave an impact, donations of any amount are bringing significant change to the lives of survivors. Our Bubble Tea run was a team effort and I would not have been able to do it without the support of the community and our team!
Thank you to the Bubble Tea Run planning committee for your hard work and innovative ideas! We are so excited and proud to partner with you in ending the cycle of sexual violence.
