The Children’s Home Society of Florida’s (CHS) 17th Annual Heroes 5K raised more than $50,000 after transforming the event into a virtual fundraiser in response to the public health concerns of COVID-19.
CHS’s Heroes 5K is the organization’s signature event keeping more families safe, strong and together in Palm Beach County. The event serves to honor the heroes and first responders in the community — including the men and women who work tirelessly alongside CHS building a stronger community for our children.
On April 25, more than 300 people participated in the virtual race from all over the country to support the nonprofit’s core solutions in early childhood, behavioral health and child well-being.
Instead of gathering at the originally planned location of Okeeheelee Park, 5K participants ran or walked at the location of their choice while practicing safety guidelines, including social distancing. Although runners and walkers couldn’t physically be with their teammates, they shared their excitement by posting pictures and videos of their accomplishments to Facebook and Instagram. Nate Harness and Brittany Corbett of Atlanta, Georgia were praised on CHS’s social media for their Instagram post, which received more than 250 likes. Also praised were Granite Telecommunications for receiving the highest team fundraising award, followed by Siegel Financial Group in second place and Corporate Creations in third place.
“I first got involved in the Heroes 5K through my company’s outreach efforts, along with George Schubert, and quickly came to appreciate the work that Children’s Home Society of Florida does in our community. While we weren’t able to come together for this year’s event, I had a great time getting out on the streets and running for a good cause. I look forward to doing it again next year,” said Vincent D’Aria Sr., director at Granite Telecommunications, a CHS board member and Heroes 5K committee chair.
“Now, more than ever, social and community support is critical for families facing tough challenges,” said CHS Regional Executive Director Charles Scherer, who also ran in the race himself. “Though we cannot be physically together, we saw our community come together for kids and families through the Heroes 5K.”
Support for this event included sponsorships by Granite Telecommunications, Allstate Insurance, People’s Trust Insurance, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, FPL, Publix Charities, Tiger Woods Ventures, the Wawa Foundation, Corporate Creations, LDG Florida Architects, Palm Beach County Fire Chiefs’ Association, Daszkal Bolton LLP, the Palm Beach County Council of Firefighters & Paramedics, Dr. Daniel J. Brennan DMD, Hundley Farms, Thompson Creative Collective LLC, WRMF, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida serves more than 20,000 local families. To learn more about the Children’s Home Society, visit www.chsfl.org.
