A local 5-year-old raised $1,270 for Chatham-Kent's inaugural Light up the Night for Noelle run.
Quinn Sleightholm was the top individual earner for the fundraiser.
"Noelle's Gift helps other kids get the things they need. It is important to me to help other kids, that's why I wanted to raise money for the run," she said when asked what motivated her.
The Senior Kindergarten student at Indian Creek Road Public School (ICRPS) said running with her friends, the cheering crowd, and the glow sticks were her favourite parts of the event. Though Sleightholm said that's not why she would participate in the next run.
"I would like to do it again because Noelle helps kids, and that's important," she said.
Her mother, Allison Kelly, is a teacher for the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and said she sees the impact Noelle's Gift to Children makes in the lives of children firsthand.
"I am very proud of Quinn and incredibly thankful to our friends, family and community for helping her to help others," Kelly shared.
The 5-year-old earned double the amount of her closest competition. The second highest individual earner was John McInnis, who earned $600. Chad Wheeler came in third, raising $540.
The top three team fundraisers include Indian Creek Road Public School, which raised $3,540, Tecumseh Public School, which raised $2,599, and Winston Churchill Public School, which raised $2,275.
Organizers said that the inaugural event in Chatham-Kent saw 240 participants cross the finish line and raised over $20,000 to help local children in need.
Noelle's Gift to Children was established in memory of Noelle Paquette. She was a passionate teacher in Sarnia who went above and beyond for her students.