Northwest Special Families (NSF) will partner with the Northshore YMCA to host the 5th Annual Can Do 5K/10K in Bothell, on Saturday, April 27. Brooks and Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry will present the event, which will take place at Seattle Times Park’s North Creek.

Last year’s event played host to 1,400 registered participants and many community teams. Together they raised more than $30,000 to help fund NSF’s year-round programs and the Northshore YMCA’s Partners with Youth Campaign.

This year, 2,000 participants are expected. Race Directors Natalia Bynum and Gretchen Walla look forward to the 5th annual event.

“This a community event where people of all abilities Can Do,” Bynum said. “The Can Do has earned a valued presence in the Northshore region.”

Participants and teams are encouraged to reach out to their communities to raise funds. Proceeds from the Can Do 5K/10K help NSF offer new and expanded opportunities and programs in the community, such as inclusive and specialized camps, on-going education, and support with guest lectures and workshops.

Immediately following the race, The Northshore YMCA will be hosting its annual Healthy Kid’s Day.

“We are very excited to host our annual Healthy Kid’s Day event on the same day as the Can Do,” said Walla, who is an employee of the Northshore YMCA. “Hosting the event on the same day allows for the Northshore YMCA to celebrate how children of all abilities can race together side by side to promote healthy living.”

The funds also support the Northshore YMCA’s annual campaign, Partners with Youth. This campaign is dedicated to providing programming to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in programs that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.Participants can register online at www.CanDo5K.org, in person at various sponsor locations and via mail. All donations are tax-deductible.

Northwest Special Families aims to increase opportunities for social inclusion for children with special needs and their families through support, advocacy, and education. Northwest Special Families is operated out of the Northshore Family Center, a program of the Center for Human Services, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

For more information visit the race website at www.CanDo5K.org or the website of Northwest Special Families at www.northshore-specialfamilies.org.