What began as a small 5K at the Coweta County Fairgrounds has evolved into downtown Newnan’s largest race - and more importantly, a lifeline for families navigating the highs and lows of adoption.
For Kelly Preston, co-founder of RACE for the Orphans, the journey has been both miraculous and deeply human.
“Only God,” Preston said, reflecting on the 13-year path that’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in adoption grants. “We didn’t start as a nonprofit. We just knew we wanted to help. We had no idea it would grow into a statewide mission, with this many sponsors, participants, and families supported.”
The 2025 race is set for Saturday, May 3, in downtown Newnan, benefiting eight families adopting both domestically and internationally.
From one adoption to many
In 2013, Kelly and Jason Preston launched the first RACE for the Orphans while adopting their daughter Jenna from China. They quickly learned that, for most families, the cost of adoption - often upwards of $40,000 - is the biggest barrier.
“This started because we needed help,” Kelly said. “And we realized other families did, too.”
Now a registered nonprofit, RACE for the Orphans has helped bring children home through adoption grants as high as $15,000, sometimes fully covering the cost.
The impact spans not only finances but emotional support as well - especially as more families adopt children with special needs or from difficult circumstances.
While many stories have joyful endings, Preston emphasized that adoption also brings challenges - and sometimes heartbreak.
“We ask families to send us updates and pictures, and most are positive,” she said. “But not all.
One couple adopted a teenage girl from another country who’s had significant mental health struggles since coming home - and even before, in her home country. They’re doing everything they can to help her, but it’s been incredibly hard.”
Kelly shared that her own family struggled during the first six months after bringing Jenna home.
“She was absolutely terrified of Jason,” she said. “I’ve talked to families where it’s the opposite - where the child is terrified of the mom, which is especially hard when the mom’s the one staying home.”
The grief, trauma, and adjustment periods are real. “It’s not always rainbows and unicorns,” she said. “But we’ve also seen amazing miracles that only God could do.”
A growing mission rooted in community
Behind the success of RACE for the Orphans is a community that has shown up year after year. Sponsors like White Oak Pediatric Dentistry and Mahaffey Linkous Orthodontics have remained faithful partners. First Baptist Church of Newnan has been instrumental in providing volunteers.
“It’s a family affair,” Preston said. “You see runners, walkers, people cheering from the sidelines.
Some come for the fun; others come because they believe in the mission. Everyone leaves knowing they made a difference.”
The race is a USATF-certified Peachtree Road Race qualifier with competitive prize money - but for most, the reward is far greater: helping bring a child home.
Jenna Preston, now a teenager, has been part of the race since day one - not just as an inspiration, but as a helper and advocate.
“She’s my right-hand girl,” Preston said. “She went to board meetings with us as a kid. Now she and her sister joke about taking over when I retire.”
Watching Jenna embrace the mission has been one of Kelly’s greatest joys. “It’s become part of who she is.”
Real families, real impact
Newnan residents Alisha and Brian Self are two-time grant recipients whose lives were changed by RACE for the Orphans. The first grant helped them get halfway funded to adopt their son Everett; the second, a matching grant during COVID, helped them fully fund their adoption of Drew.
But for the Selfs, the support went far beyond money.
“This is more than a funding organization - it’s a community,” Brian said. “They connected us with other adoptive families. We had dinners, gatherings, and a network to lean on.”
Alisha described meeting Everett as a moment etched in their hearts. He had been in the NICU for two weeks when they got the call - and just two days later, they were in Savannah holding him for the first time.
“I’ll never forget when he wrapped his tiny hand around Brian’s finger,” she said. “The nurses even said it looked like he knew he was home.”
Their love for their adopted sons came naturally. “We had wondered if we’d feel different about adopted children,” Brian said. “But the answer was a resounding no. These are our boys. No distinction.”
Their community rallied behind them, from surprise fundraising yard sales to church members registering for the race. Friends and family embraced their sons just as they would biological children.
“We were full of joy seeing the excitement in Everett’s face when he met his little brother for the first time,” Alisha said.
For those feeling overwhelmed, Brian offers two pieces of advice.
“Connect with experienced families,” he said. They’ve been through it. They can help guide you emotionally and practically.”
And lean on organizations like RACE for the Orphans - “Don’t go through this alone,” he said. “The network of support makes all the difference.”
And for new parents? “Stock up on coffee - and be ready for sleepless nights,” he said. “It’s all part of the journey.”
Focused on the mission, not expansion
Although RACE for the Orphans has grown dramatically, Preston isn’t looking to franchise it.
“Our focus is on quality, not quantity,” she said. “But if families in other states want to replicate it, we’ll help them. We know race management. We’d love to see this mission grow beyond our ZIP code.”
Whether it’s running the Tot Trot, buying a T-shirt, writing a check, or simply showing up, Preston believes everyone can help bring a child home.
“You don’t have to adopt to make a difference,” she said. “Together, we’re not just funding adoptions - we’re changing lives. One step, one gift, one family at a time.”
To register or learn more about the 13th Annual RACE for the Orphans, visit www.racefortheorphans.org.
