Heights of Hope

08/17/2026

This summer students worked hard in learning in the classroom sessions and their internships.

They have learned some of their strengths and they set goals on how to continue to develop them. Time management, efficient and employer communication, financial literacy with our partnership with Community Action House, and we even had some fun!

Students were able to site visit Latin Americans United for Progress - LAUP and Escape Ministries to learn more about other youth development organizations in our community.

Although there were many milestones of celebrations, students invited their family and friends to present what they learned about themselves and our community over the summer.

Youth Leadership Coalition 2026 in the books! Great work students!

08/13/2026

08/09/2026

Oh what a night! We're still reliving all our favorite moments and loving hearing all your stories!

We'll post pictures in the next couple days as we sort through ALL the photos, but in the meantime, here are a couple things to share:

RESULTS - https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=442890

AN AMAZING RACE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO BY MICHAEL SPRIK: https://youtu.be/Z0s0nfQi0ms?si=yuBZAYz1SmWBFGWq

Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, cheered, dressed up, donated, and helped make this such a fun night in Holland Heights. Make sure you save the date for next year: SEPTEMBER 18, 2027

08/08/2026

🦩🎉 HEY FRIENDS!!!

Flash the Flamingo here!

🚨 IT'S RACE DAY!!! 🚨

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!! 🙌🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🦩

I've spent the last few weeks traveling through the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s, trying out the fashion, music, snacks, toys and trends from each decade.

And then last night it hit me...

WAIT A MINUTE.

There are a WHOLE LOT of decades I forgot to tell you about! 😳

Now, I probably should've spent last night helping our SOAR neighbors get the Community Center ready for race day...

But instead?

I spent the evening trying on outfits from a few decades that deserve an HONORABLE MENTION. 🤷‍♂️🦩

(Sorry, neighbors. I was doing very important historical research. 😂)

So, just in case you're still staring at your closet wondering what to wear tonight, I have some VERY last-minute inspiration!

I have to say... flamingos can pull off a powdered wig WAY better than expected. 😎🦩

So whether you're coming in full costume, adding one ridiculous accessory, wearing your favorite decade, or just showing up in your regular running clothes—we can't wait to see you!

And if you STILL haven't registered...

🎉 YOU CAN REGISTER IN PERSON TODAY!
📍 Calvary on 8th
⏰ Registration opens after 4:00 PM
🏃 Race starts at 5:30 PM!

Now I really should go see if the SOAR neighbors will forgive me... and maybe actually help with something. 😂

SEE YOU TONIGHT!!! LET'S RUN THROUGH THE DECADES! 🎉🪩✌️

❤️ Flash 🦩

08/07/2026

OUR 5K IS TOMORROW… and there’s a LOT happening behind the scenes!

Our Neighborhood Leadership Initiative crew, SOAR neighbors, 5K Race Team & the Heights of Hope staff have been HARD at work getting everything ready for tomorrow’s Heights of Hope Decades 5K!

Signs are being made, decorations are going up, supplies are being hauled, spaces are getting cleaned, and all those little details are coming together!

And with a DECADES theme, you know we had to have some fun with it. 📼✌️🎸🪩

Because the Community Center will decked out with 1980's & 1990's gear, rumor even has it that Flash the Flamingo has been working on his Michael Jackson look… 🦩🕺😎

You just might be able to spot him hanging out in the neighborhood during the race!

WE even have a 1960's/1970's VW BUS! Make sure to get a photo with it tomorrow!

It takes a whole community to make this event happen, and we are SO thankful for everyone who has jumped in to help. ❤️

ONE MORE SLEEP!
Dust off the neon, fluff up that hair, grab your f***y pack and get ready…

We'll see you there!

Didn't register yet or pick up your race shirt/bib yet?!? No worries you can still do all of that in person tomorrow at Calvary on 8th after 4pm before the race starts!

08/05/2026

A huge shout out to Camp Geneva for another incredible week of summer camp! Our Heights of Hope kids come home every year full of stories, a deeper faith, and bit more confidence in who they are! We're so grateful for your partnership and the care you show our neighborhood each summer!

08/04/2026

📻 🕺 THANK YOU, SPONSORS! 🕺 📻

Our 5K is almost here, and we’re feeling pretty grateful for the businesses helping us make this decades-themed night happen! ❤️

Some of our sponsors may have been around since the ’50s, when rock ’n’ roll was taking over the airwaves. Others may have opened their doors when bell bottoms were in style, when neon was all the rage, when CDs replaced cassette tapes, or when everyone was suddenly obsessed with Y2K. 😉

No matter when their story began, we’re grateful for the businesses who have been part of our community for decades—and for those who are just beginning their story. Whatever decade their story began, we’re grateful that they’re part of our story today.

Their support helps make it possible for us to bring neighbors together for a night of running, costumes, food, laughter, and community. We truly couldn’t do it without them!

So take a look at the logos below, give these businesses some love, and join us in saying THANK YOU! 🎉

We’ll see you Saturday! 🦩🏃‍♀️🕺
ProPhoto Sites DeNooyer Chevrolet Holland Doctors of Audiology East Holland Veterinary Clinic TNT Roofing Inc. Gentex Corporation Barber Ford of Holland

08/04/2026

Hey friends!

Flash the Flamingo here!

Can you believe it?!
The Heights of Hope Run Through the Decades 5K is only FIVE DAYS AWAY!

🚨 There's still time to join the fun!

Whether you want to run, walk, or volunteer, we'd love to have you!

👉 Register here: www.heightsofhope.org/5K

So....

I was perfectly happy hanging out in the 1990s.

I had my flannel.
My Fruit Roll-Ups.
My Game Boy.
Life was good.

But apparently time waits for no flamingo...

So I've only got enough time to squeeze in ONE. MORE. DECADE.

✨ The 2000s! ✨

From what I've heard, this decade is full of flip phones, MySpace drama, frosted tips, cargo shorts with 87 pockets, and enough rhinestones to be seen from outer space.

Need some 2000s inspiration for race day?

Fashion-
Velour tracksuits
Cargo shorts or cargo pants
Graphic T-shirts
Layered tank tops
Polo shirts popped at the collar
Bootcut jeans
Trucker hats
Butterfly clips
Frosted tips
Chunky sneakers

Accessories & Props-
Flip phones
iPods & earbuds
Digital cameras
Burned CDs
Nintendo DS or Game Boy Advance
Razor scooters
Guitar Hero guitar
Oversized sunglasses

But dont worry- you don't need a whole costume! A flip phone, trucker hat, velour jacket, or some colorful butterfly clips in your hair are enough to scream "2000s!"

Now if you'll excuse me...

I've got to see if these cargo shorts really can hold everything everyone promised they could.

So far I've found 11 pockets... and I'm still counting. 😂

❤️ Flash🦩