Participants Celebrate Success at 2025 Santa Run for the Arc

The annual Santa Run, Walk, ‘N Roll held on December 9, 2025, in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia, proved to be a resounding success for the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham. The event, designed to promote awareness and raise funds for the nonprofit, attracted 109 participants, more than double last year’s attendance of 34.

Participants, dressed in festive costumes including Santa suits, gathered outside City Hall on Main Street and walked approximately one mile through Court Square and back. The atmosphere was filled with holiday spirit as onlookers, attending the city’s Winter WonderFest, waved and took pictures.

“This is our most successful one,” said Angela Carter, executive director of the Arc. “Most of our events this year have had the highest attendance we’ve seen in quite a while.” The fundraiser raised over $20,494, significantly surpassing last year’s total of $7,308.19. Hiesun Ho, the community engagement and volunteer coordinator for the Arc, stated that all proceeds from this year’s run will be directed towards enhancing services and programs, which are currently in high demand.

The event was not a competition but rather a celebration of community spirit. Carter emphasized, “We don’t make it a competitive thing. We do hand out prizes for most spirited dress and decorated wheelchairs, but this is really about coming together and having fun.” Participants included individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, direct support professionals, business sponsors, and local residents eager to join in the festivities.

“The visibility we create is important,” Carter noted. “This event allows those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in a celebration where they might not feel fully included elsewhere.”

Among the returning participants was Todd Gardner, president of Glass and Metals Inc., who dressed as Buddy the Elf. Gardner has supported the Arc for several years and appreciated the positivity of the event. “It’s great to see the community come together to support the Arc, which provides critical support for their participants,” he said.

Newcomer Kelsey Nason, a PhD student at James Madison University, learned about the run through social media and invited friends to join her in the fun. Others, like Nancy Smith and Angie Breneman, both nurses at Sentara, were inspired to participate after seeing the event last year. “It’s a great cause, super fun,” Breneman remarked.

The mission of the Arc is to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring their full inclusion in the community throughout their lifetimes. The organization provides both in-home and community-based services, which have seen an increase in demand. According to Carter, the Arc has expanded its reach significantly over the past three years, growing from serving about 38 people to approximately 76 through its programs.

Carter highlighted the ongoing need for services, stating, “We want to serve as many as possible.” The organization is also planning to introduce new services, which will be announced in the coming months, and will receive funding for three new vehicles through a grant from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. This initiative aims to address transportation insecurity, a significant barrier for many families seeking support.

“When you have a child with a developmental or intellectual disability, our services can be the only option available,” Carter explained. “We don’t just support our participants; we support their entire families.”

The success of the Santa Run illustrates the community’s commitment to supporting the Arc’s mission and the need for continued engagement and awareness. For more information about the Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham and its services, visit their website at thearcofhr.org.