Early Sunday morning, Bruin Plaza became a haven of debauchery, harboring hundreds of swashbuckling pirates clad in eye patches, bandanas and running shorts.
The shorts, while not typical pirate garb, reminded participants of the real reason they were there: to raise money for the Mattel Children’s Hospital’s eighth annual Run/Walk, titled “Yo-Ho Yo-Ho, a Run/Walk Life for Me.”
The proceeds from the 5-kilometer race directly benefited the Child Life/Child Development Program at the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA.
At the UCLA Run/Walk, many runners dressed in costume in the spirit of the pirate theme and there was a special appearance from Captain Jack Sparrow ““ or at least a student with an excellent costume and a flair for the dramatic. Though it was technically a race, participants were welcome to walk or jog the course.
Sponsors for the event outside the university included Monster Energy, Damon and Pythias restaurant, 98.7 Star FM and smartwater. In addition to the Run/Walk, there was a raffle, a silent auction, face painting and free food samples.
Katia Gabay, a nursing student at Santa Monica College, came to support the program.
“I like pediatrics and I like raising money for other causes,” Gabay said, adding that she is considering pediatric nursing as her career after she graduates.
Stephanie Lyu, a second-year biology student, also came because she believed in the program and its goals.
“It seemed like a really good cause,” Lyu said.
Amanda Maddahi, the events co-chair for the Run/Walk, hosted the opening ceremonies and thanked the many guests ““ ranging in age from babies in jogging strollers to her own grandparents ““ for coming.
She did not get very far in her speech before Captain Jack ran her off the stage, only to be stunned and then vanquished while in the middle of his amazement at a performance from one of the Bruin Jugglers.
Members of the UCLA Cheerleading Squad led the audience in an 8-Clap and stretches.
Patrick Warburton, the voice of Joe Swanson from “Family Guy,” also spoke at the opening ceremony. As the event’s celebrity host, he commended participants and gave them some in-character advice.
“Stretch it out,” he ordered, emphasizing the last word.
Dr. Edward McCabe, physician-in-chief of the Mattel Children’s Hospital, reminded audience members of the program they were benefitting.
“We remind (children in the hospital) that they can be kids, not always patients,” McCabe said.
After the speeches, the race began around 9:30 a.m.
Third-year physiological science student Jonathan Pham oversaw the Run/Walk committee, and noted that last year, the event had 1,300 participants and raised nearly $40,000 for the Mattel Children’s Hospital Child Life/Child Development Program.
The Run/Walk’s proceeds benefit the Child Life/Child Development Program, which was created in 1968. It was one of the first in the country to specifically address pediatric patients, especially those with critical or chronic illnesses, according to the Run/Walk Web site.
In addition to regular pediatric care, the program offers play therapy, expert consultation, social interaction and mind-challenging activities for patients and their families.
The program’s dedication to excellence has contributed to the UCLA Medical Center’s 17 consecutive “Best in the West” titles.
Ryan Huerto, a third-year psychobiology student, is a co-director of the event, as well as a volunteer at the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA.
“I’ve learned from playing with the kids. Everyone has that spirit, that happiness, no matter how sick they are. You need to nourish that spirit in everyone,” Huerto said.