Community Corner
Milestones for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay
Record 1500+ participants help raise more than $7,000 for after-school program
More than 1500 participants line up and start the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K.
More than 670 third through fifth grade girls from 48 Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County elementary schools “graduated” from their after-school 5K training and life skills program at the recent UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K race.
Held on Dec. 8 at Poynter Park in downtown Saint Petersburg, Fla., this year’s race also celebrated the 10th Anniversary for the Girls on the Run program. The 670+ girls were joined by more than 850 family members, runners and walkers and Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay volunteer coaches. In total, the race drew a record turnout of more than 1,500 participants, raising $7,000 for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay.
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In addition to serving at the presenting sponsor for the 5K Race, UnitedHealthcare’s support also provided funding for more than 20 training program scholarships. Each year, nearly 50 percent of all participants receive some level of financial support, based on financial need. In total, more than $33,000 in scholarships was awarded to 300+ girls for the 2018 Fall Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay after-school training and life skills program, enabling every girl who wants to run and participate can.
“UnitedHealthcare’s support for the past four years has been instrumental in the growth of our program,” said Laura Moore, executive director for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. “Without these funds, many lower income schools and girls would not have the opportunity to participate in what has proven to be a life-changing and enhancing experience for all the girls and their coaches,” Moore added.
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“UnitedHealthcare is honored to be a Girls on the Run partner,” said Greg Reidy, CEO for UnitedHealthcare Florida. “The after-school program’s proven long-lasting benefits to participants at a critical time in their lives is invaluable and an important part of our mission to support and help people of all ages lead healthier, more productive lives.”
The race and its proceeds commemorate and help fund the Girls on the Run training program in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, which has grown from six participating schools in 2013 to 48 schools in Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties for the December 2018 program. For more information, visit www.girlsontheruntampabay.org.
