SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)- The non-profit It’s All About Childhood and Family was started by Michael Gilbert. Gilbert explained why he thought this organization was necessary.
“I started the non-profit to provide additional support and resources to the Syracuse area and to provide a holistic approach to make sure we were addressing things like trauma and poverty and adverse childhood experiences and to providing support to families and kids but to community education to help the community better understand the needs related to those challenges of social determinants of health and find ways to build capacity within the city and build collaborative networks.”
While this past weekend was the first Inner Harbor Festival, the non-profit It’s All About Childhood and Family has been putting on this race for 15 years, but this year it meant something extra special to Gilbert.
“I’m excited that the 2k will be in honor of Brexi so we’ll have some of her family and friends joining us and I think that’s a way to keep her memory alive. And that’s something that when I spoke to her mother, one of her goals was that she doesn’t want people to forget about her daughter and the spirit that she had.”
Brexialee Torres-Ortiz was an 11-year-old girl who was tragically killed in a drive by shooting earlier this year. Members from around the community gathered at the 2k race to honor the vibrant young girl who was loved by so many.
Lamar Chamblee said his favorite part of the day was remembering Brexi.
“Best part of the day is being able to say that I was thinking of her while running and the extra push to run and give it my all. I feel like she was in me.”
Makayla Dunham volunteered at the race to help make an impact.
“I was really excited to be a part of something that can help out the family and just being there for everyone.”
The It’s All About Childhood and Family 2k race will continue to be named after Brexialee in the years to come.
