Local Resident Recognized for Helping Less Fortunate Children

It’s been seven years since Leesburg resident Brian Whritenour and his wife, April, adopted their first child from Russia. Since then, they have adopted one more, and soon realized how important it was to help other children who are in need.

As a result, Whritenour became inspired to create the “Run Me Home” 10K and Fun Run, which helps raise money for children who are less fortunate.

“I wanted to create a sustainable event that could benefit children in need and the idea was to bring it locally,” Whritenour said. “Whether adoption is from across the world or it’s from down the street it still means the same thing to me."

Last year, the first annual event raised approximately $9,000 to benefit children in Loudoun County Foster Care and Adoptive Services.

“I can't describe how fantastic the event was,” said local resident and race participant Amanda Gauldin. She nominated Whritenour for this month’s community hero award. “The feeling of community was so strong race day morning - people excited to be there, run, and support a worthy cause.”

Gauldin said she chose Whritenour because organizing the “Run Me Home” event is no small task. He throws his heart and soul into supporting foster care and adoption, she said, and does it for the sole purpose of giving back to local children who need help the most. 

Although Whritenour said it’s nice to get accolades and appreciation for what he's done, it’s helping others that means more to him.

“I’ve come in contact with some great people because of this event and it’s fascinating to learn how many [of them] have some relation with adoption or foster care in their lives,” Whritenour said. “Years from now, I want my children to see what I’ve been doing for the last ten or last twenty years and realize how much their dad loved them and how important it is to set the example of how important it is to help others.”

Both Whritenour and Gauldin said “Run Me Home" is certainly an event to get excited about. Together, we are making a difference in the life of a child, Gauldin said.

This year’s “Run Me Home” event is scheduled to take place on April 28. The event will feature three distances, a 10K, 5K and a fun run for the little ones. The run will begin and finish at , in Leesburg.

The recipient will be Loudoun County Foster Care and Adoption as well as Mobile Hope, a program that supports the needs of precariously housed and at risk youth in Loudoun County.

To learn more or register visit the Run Me Home website.