Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Preston.
Hi Kelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2012, my husband and I started the process of adopting our daughter from China. We already had three biological children (2 boys and 1 girl), but the Lord really impressed on both of our hearts that millions of children around the world don’t have forever families. The adoption process is very expensive and like most couples, we didn’t have an extra $30,000+ in our bank account! However, we truly believed God wanted us to adopt, so we stepped out in faith to host a 5K race in our community to help raise funds towards the adoption. My husband and I were collegiate runners at Samford University (Birmingham, AL) and we continue to enjoy running, so we thought it would be fun to put together a 5K…and fun it was! We had more than 350 participants at the first RACE for the Orphans 5K in the Spring of 2013 and on that very day, we committed to host an annual event to help OTHER families with the cost of their adoptions. RACE for the Orphans soon became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and this coming May 6, 2023, we will host the 11th Annual RACE in historic downtown Newnan. The RACE now boasts more than 1,000 participants and volunteers, and over the past 10 years, we have raised more than $300,000 in grant funds for adopting families throughout the state of Georgia.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our adoption process was like a roller coaster, full of many ups and downs. There were so many unknowns, so much paperwork, so much government red tape, so much money needed, and a lot of people asking why China? All of this felt very overwhelming, but we had no doubt in our minds that God had our daughter for us in China and now, 9 years later, it is evident to all that know Jenna that she was meant for our family.
At the same time, to establish RACE for the Orphans as a non-profit organization was also filled with challenges. Once again, there was a lot of paperwork, red tape, and finances involved…but looking back over how this ministry has benefitted so many people over the past decade, it was worth it ALL!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Since my oldest son was born in 2004, I have been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. I have absolutely loved being home with our children (current ages are 18, 16, 14, and 11) and am most proud of the amazing young men and ladies they are becoming.
In addition to being a mom, I direct the non-profit RACE for the Orphans that started in 2013.
And most recently, I went back into nursing (I have my Master of Science in Nursing from Samford University) and am working part-time as a hospice nurse. I consider it such a privilege to walk alongside families during the end of their loved one’s life.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve never really thought of myself as much of a risk-taker because I don’t particularly enjoy “high risk” or “high adventure” outings…you’ll never catch me jumping out of an airplane! However, so many things in life require us to take risks…even if it is a small risks. Adopting our daughter from China was certainly a risk…there were so many unknowns and so much uncertainty. In addition, starting a non-profit was also a risk that my husband and I took…we didn’t know back in 2013 how RACE for the Orphans would be received in our community. On both accounts, I can say it was definitely worth the risk!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.racefortheorphans.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/racefortheorphans
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RACEfortheOrphans
Image Credits
Matt Evans and Christy Grote
