MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College Communication Professor Keith Forrest, 59, and his daughter, Madeline, 19, recently competed in the Champlain Islands Marathon on South Hero Island in South Hero, VT on October 19 to raise money for the Bucha School in Bucha, Ukraine.
The idea for the father-daughter marathon came to the Forrest’s over the summer when the pair took part in a 10-mile run during a vacation in Cape May. After conducting research into his family’s history where he learned that he is 98.5% Ukrainian, Keith decided that he wanted to do something to help children in his war-torn homeland.
“I wanted to do something to help Ukraine and since I am a teacher, helping a school seemed to make the most sense. I didn't want to contribute to any fund that was raising money for weapons. That would have made me very uncomfortable,” said Forrest, who founded the College’s Communication program in 2006. “Doing this was also to honor my mom and dad. I feel like I am making up for lost time now, trying to catch up on my Ukrainian heritage. I have never been to Ukraine, but I hope to soon.”
The father and daughter duo, who wore matching Ukraine singlets featuring a Liberty Bell on the back, are supporting the fundraising efforts of the Global Giving community to help the town of Bucha, Ukraine raise funds to build a new, modern school for the town’s 880 children. The current structure has been severely damaged by the on-going conflict in the country. The planned school would be the first A energy class school in Ukraine and would comply with a zero emissions standard, sustainability and ensure the protection of the area’s biodiversity. The school would also feature a bomb shelter that would be adapted for dual-usage during peacetime.
This was Keith’s 13th marathon while Madeline, who ran for the Collingswood High School cross country and track teams while also serving as Student Government President, took part in her first marathon.
“It was great to run a marathon with my dad,” said Madeline, who is currently an Anthropology major at the University of Vermont. “But 26.2 miles is a long way.”
For Keith, it was one of the great honors of his life. “To run a marathon with my daughter was something I’ll always remember. The struggle of running that far made us even closer.”
You can still donate to the Forrest’s fundraiser for the Bucha School through the Global Giving website at https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/75226/.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
