Eden Prairie Exchange Student Runs for Immigrant Causes

Áron Smulovics to fundraise for Minnesota nonprofit CAPI during Twin Cities half marathon

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:49am

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Áron Smulovics, a Hungarian exchange student at Eden Prairie High School, is training to run the Twin Cities In Motion Get in Gear Half Marathon in April to raise funds for Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI), a Minnesota-based nonprofit that supports immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities. Smulovics discovered CAPI through volunteering and was inspired to combine his passions for running and giving back by launching the MilesForCAPI fundraising campaign.

Why it matters

Smulovics' initiative highlights the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities, and the important work of local nonprofits like CAPI in providing critical support services. As an exchange student, his efforts also showcase how international programs can foster cross-cultural understanding and community engagement.

The details

Smulovics, who is part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, discovered CAPI through volunteer work at their Minneapolis food shelf. After being inspired by the nonprofit's impact, he launched the MilesForCAPI campaign to raise $1,000 for immigrants and refugees. Though Smulovics faced a health scare with a suspected kidney tumor, he has continued training for the half marathon and hopes to raise awareness for CAPI's work, even if he can only run a single mile.

  • Smulovics moved to Minnesota from Hungary in August 2025 as part of the FLEX program.
  • Smulovics began volunteering at CAPI's Minneapolis food shelf in the fall of 2025.
  • Smulovics launched the MilesForCAPI fundraising campaign in late 2025.
  • Smulovics underwent a major surgery in January 2026 after a tumor was discovered on his kidney.
  • The Twin Cities In Motion Get in Gear Half Marathon is scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The players

Áron Smulovics

A Hungarian exchange student at Eden Prairie High School who is participating in the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and fundraising for CAPI through the MilesForCAPI initiative.

Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI)

A Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides support services to immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities.

Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program

A merit-based student exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State that brings participants from across Eurasia to the U.S. for an academic year.

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What they’re saying

“I just really like the community and the work environment, and I could see how much of an impact that is making, because when I assisted shoppers to the exit, I just saw how thankful they were for the help.”

— Áron Smulovics (eplocalnews.org)

“In my current condition, I definitely need a lot more training to comfortably run a half marathon, but I'm going to do what I can and as long as I can. If all I can do is to show up and run one mile and run that with a sign and raise awareness and tell people in the race and on the sidelines about CAPI USA and the cause, I'll do that.”

— Áron Smulovics (eplocalnews.org)

What’s next

Smulovics continues to train for the Twin Cities In Motion Get in Gear Half Marathon on April 25, 2026, with the goal of raising $1,000 for CAPI through the MilesForCAPI campaign.

The takeaway

Smulovics' fundraising initiative demonstrates how international exchange programs can foster cross-cultural understanding and community engagement, while also highlighting the vital work of local nonprofits like CAPI in supporting immigrant and refugee communities.