Community Corner
Milestones for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida
More than 1,000 participants help raise $10,200 for non-profit organization at UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K
Photos: 1) Participants line up and start the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K in Naples. 2) Pre-race festivities at the Naples race, which was open to the public, included an expo with face, hair and nail painting. 3) Families, supporters and kids cheer on runners and celebrate 5K finishes.
More than 400 third through eighth grade girls from 40 elementary and middle schools in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and DeSoto County schools “graduated” from their fall after-school 5K training and life skills at the recent UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida 5Ks held in Naples and Port Charlotte, Fla.
The annual year end races are part of the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida 5K Race Series, with events in May and December of each year, all of which serve as primary fundraising tools for the non-profit organization.
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This year’s races also celebrated the 10th Anniversary for the Girls on the Run program. The 400+ girls were joined by more than 600 family members, runners and walkers and Girls on the Run Central Florida volunteer coaches between the two races. In total, the race drew a record turnout of more than 1,000 total participants, raising over $10,200 for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida.
“We could not have done either of our 5K events or served as many girls as we did without the help of UnitedHealthcare,” said Christine McConnelee, executive director for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida. “This program has been proven to be life-changing for many girls, particularly those who are at-risk and we’re delighted to continue to see increased support and participation from the schools and communities we serve.”
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“UnitedHealthcare is honored to be a Girls on the Run Southwest Florida partner,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO for UnitedHealthcare Southwest 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.”
