The Heaven’s 27 foundation, which has hosted racing teams for six different marathons and half marathons as fundraisers, will run its seventh race in the Nashville’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon April 25. The run will be in support of the 27 girls who lost their lives this past summer in flooding at Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp in Texas.
The families of the girls who lost their lives in the floods founded Heaven’s 27 with the goal of preserving their memories through scholarships, youth programs and support for vulnerable groups. First-year Molly Dinerstein was inspired to help spearhead the foundation’s Nashville branch because of her passion for running and Team27’s cause.
“I ran in high school and happened to be very close with one of the counselors who passed away,” Dinerstein said. “I wanted to run the half [marathon] in a way that could honor her and those girls from Texas.”
After signing up for the race, students can create a fundraising page to share with family and friends, with all proceeds going to Heaven’s 27. So far, Team27 Nashville has raised $10,800. Dinerstein said she worked with the foundation to set up the donation page.
“I talked to the people at the Team27 foundation and was able to figure out a way to create a Team27 Nashville page,” Dinerstein said. “I sent it to all the organizations I could think of, and it’s been a very rewarding experience.”
Students can participate in support of Heaven’s 27 by running the full marathon, half marathon or 5k. First-year Sally Ann Mooring said the range of race options makes the event more accessible.
“I think the different distance options make the race really accessible because people who can’t really run can still participate by walking or running shorter distances,” Mooring said. “The marathon is very popular, and the choices allow people to be with everyone, even if they don’t want to commit to a full marathon.”
Sophomore Nina Davidson signed up to run the half marathon and began training in late February.
“I’ve been building up my mileage week by week and trying to stay consistent with longer runs,” Davidson said. “Training has definitely been challenging at times, but it feels meaningful knowing I’m doing it for such an important cause.”
Students who do not wish to run can still support the cause by donating or cheering on participants. First-year Samantha Annaipakos plans to run the 5k before cheering on her friends in the half marathon.
“I’m so proud of my friends who are running it,” Annaipakos said. “It’s a cause very deep to a lot of girls’ hearts, especially those who grew up in Texas, and I want to support those who are participating.”
First-year Lilla Eades and Dinerstein also started an Instagram account to raise awareness and share updates about the event. Eades has created graphics for the page and said she was motivated by her close connection to the event.
“As a long time Mystic Girl and friend to one of the counselors who lost her life, supporting this community will always be at the forefront of my mind and heart,” Eades said. “I’ve been working to make inspiring and simple Instagram graphics to gain supporters as well as help Team27 members in their fundraising. I’m so honored to be working to establish Heaven’s 27 foundation in a new state.”
