5K event even played host to a Bachelorette Party themed “In it for the long run!”
More than 600 people participated in FLIPANY’s 12th Annual Fun Run on Jan. 20 at Hollywood North Beach Park, raising $25,000 to end childhood obesity and create a culture of health in South Florida neighborhoods. FLIPANY, an acronym for Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth, has been a non-profit organization since 2005.
This year’s event, sponsored by Target, welcomed 5K and 10K walkers and runners of all ages. Julie Guy of the LITE 101.5 FM morning show hosted the event and the Miami HEAT Dancers performed. There were free kids’ activities at the Fun Run Kids’ Zone, vendor tables, a health fair and raffle.
One highlight of the event was the group of ladies running the 5K to celebrate Shantel Westmoreland’s Bachelorette Party. Each runner wore a tutu and a tank top imprinted with “In it for the long run”. The bride-to-be finished ahead of her celebrants and doubled back to join each member of her wedding party as they crossed the finish line.
Another highlight of the event was the participation of 30 kids from Silver Lakes Middle School’s After School program. They ran the 5K with the sponsorship of Options Industry Council (OIC) of South Florida. This group has partnered with FLIPANY to sponsor youth runners for the past X years. They proudly announced that each of their runners crossed the finish line.
“This year’s Fun Run was especially exciting because Target came on as a sponsor,” said FLIPANY President, CEO and Founder Lynne Kunins. “They saw the benefit in what we were doing and got behind us in a big way.
“We’re also thrilled to have raised $25,000 this year. That money will be used to bring nutrition and physical activity programs to the communities that need them so much. When we make a positive impact in a community, we influence policy changes for healthier communities,” she added. “Although we call it the Fun Run, it really has a serious mission for individuals, companies, and our community partners to become part of the solution to ending childhood obesity.”
FLIPANY has served more than 51,000 disadvantaged youth and families including seniors through collaborations with community centers, schools, afterschool programs, parks, and other social services agencies. FLIPANY is the first unaffiliated sponsor of the Afterschool and Summer Meal Program in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. FLIPANY operates in 115 locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and anticipates additional growth in 2018. For more information about FLIPANY and the Power Snack program, or how to get enrolled, visit www.FLIPANY.org.
Background
Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern for parents in the U.S., topping drug abuse and smoking (American Heart Association).
FLIPANY implements programs that focus on improving the health and wellness of overweight/obese children and their families, and preventing heart disease and diabetes in these children as they become adults. FLIPANY programs use evidence-based curriculums to teach essential skills for lifestyle changes. Its programs address childhood weight management and intervention, nutrition education, dietary counseling, promotion of physical activity, structured exercise and family behavioral modification. FLIPANY gives parents and children a positive, safe approach to a healthier lifestyle, regardless of where they live or income level.
About FLIPANY
FLIPANY’s (Florida Introduces Physical Activity & Nutrition to Youth)mission FLIPANY’s mission is to empower youth and adults through nutrition and physical activity programs while influencing policy changes for healthier communities. FLIPANY serves youth and families, including seniors, through collaborations with community centers, parks, and other social services agencies. For more information, visit www.FLIPANY.org.
