ST. GEORGE – Saturday morning, under a cloud of bubbles blown by the attending crowd of runners, spectators and organizers, Millie’s Princess Run officially opened at Desert Hills High School. The event was held in conjunction with Millie’s Princess Foundation and in honor of 5-year-old Taleah Stevenson, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Millie’s Princess Run was a celebration of life as hundreds of community members came out to support Taleah by running, walking and donating their time, products, skills and money to help the Stevenson family with their medical costs.
Taleah will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant June 16. She will have to spend six weeks in Primary Children’s Hospital following the procedure and an additional 100 days in Salt Lake City for continued monitoring.
Taleah was present for the opening ceremonies of the Princess Run and could be seen smiling for photos, having her face painted and playing with bubbles.
The fundraising event featured a 5K, multiple children’s runs, a silent auction, several raffles, food vendors, face painting, Disney princesses and “Star Wars” characters, a photo booth and more.
Members of the St. George Fire Department were on hand to spray down runners and spectators with a fire hose.
Local radio personality Carl Lamar served as master of ceremonies at the event and was quick to praise the giving nature of St. George residents.
“To see the kind of support that this event is getting is overwhelming,” Lamar said. “I think St. George is one of the most philanthropic communities in the nation.”
Race director Dani Prince said the event was a big success and she was very pleased with the turnout and support.
“I want to say thanks to St. George for being so absolutely amazing in all ways,” Prince said. ” The participants, the vendors, the sponsors – we couldn’t have pulled it off without the amazing support we got from the community. I am so proud to be a part of a community that knows how to show their love.”
A total of 383 racers ran the 5K and more than $16,000 was raised for the Stevenson family, with final tallies still coming in.
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Crowds gather for an opening ceremony at the Millie's Princess Run 5K and fundraiser at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Race Director Dani Prince welcomes the crowd at an opening ceremony, Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
(From left) Tait Stevenson, 6 months, Tosha Stevenson, Taleah Stevenson and Tiera Orr participate in an opening ceremony for the princess run, held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners and supporters create a cloud of bubbles at an opening ceremony, Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Taleah Stevenson and Tiera Orr play with bubbles at the princess run held to benefit Taleah and her family at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
(From left) Anthony Morris, Chris Beykirch and Hadden Beykirch donned tutus in honor of Taleah Stevenson, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners gather at the starting line of Millie's Princess Run, held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners start on the 5K course at the Millie's Princess Run held in honor of Taleah Stevenson at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners in pink tutus and hats run a 5K in honor of Taleah Stevenson, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Cinderella dropped by the princess run to take photos with children and support Taleah Stevenson in her battle with cancer, Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Local radio personality Carl Lamar acts as disc jockey and announcer during the Millie's Princess Run held for Taleah Stevenson at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Tiffany Coleman is the first runner to cross the finish line at the Millie's Princess Run 5K and fundraiser held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners cross the finish line at the Millie's Princess Run 5K and fundraiser event held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Runners and spectators play in water sprayed from a St. George Fire Department truck and hose at Millie's Princess Run 5K and fundraiser event held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
A car window is adorned with the sticker "Together for Taleah" at Millie's Princess Run 5K and fundraiser event, held at Desert Hills High School, St. George, Utah, June 7, 2014 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Resources
- To learn more about Millie’s Princess Foundation and how you can help visit their website
- To learn more about Taleah and her cancer battle visit the Together for Taleah blog
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