Runners Give Back to the Children

More than 300 people turned out on the morning of Nov. 30 for the Phantom 5k Run, Monster Mile and Kids Devil Dash to raise funds for the Quantum House in Palm Beach County which provides a home for more than 1,000 families while they are in town for health care needs.

Parents, spouses and friends of those receiving housing from the Quantum House were among those taking part in the first ever event at the Palm Beach Outlets.

“So many people do not realize how many of us in our community need help out there because medical treatment is so expensive,” said Samantha Hannafey, a resident of Lake Worth. “With this race, I feel like it’s getting the word out. I love how no matter what age you are, [you are] here to support something so important.”

The Quantum House, located in West Palm Beach, houses families with children who are receiving treatment for severe medical conditions at local health facilities. Patients and their families come from all over the state and Quantum House has more than 1,000 family occupants each year.

“I came down from Jacksonville to support this,” said Ryan Bond, event attendee. “I just love no matter how different everyone is, they all come together to raise awareness for people in their community and for people in need of medical attention.”

The Quantum House had its 15th anniversary in May and is still finding ways to help children and families in need of help.

“I was very pleased to see such a great turnout for the first Phantom Run,” said Luke Schachter from Boca Raton. “Hopefully they will continue this and more people will attend in years to come.”

The run drew a $1,000 contribution from Palm Beach Outlets . Most individual donations ranged from $10 to $40.