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“This was our first 5K, and I could not have been more pleased with the turnout. It was so exciting to see all of our hard work in action,” stated Sarah Woodyer, president of the MOMS Club of Valrico/Bloomingdale which recently held a 5K Run/Walk - Run For Your Life...Or Someone Else's - in support of the group’s Relay For Life team, benefiting the American Cancer Society.
With almost 300 participants, the 5K Run/Walk was able to induce a contribution of over $6,000 for the American Cancer Society which claimed 100 percent of the proceeds. Starting from the Bloomingdale Little League practice field, each contender ran, or walked, the 3.1 mile route along Culbreath Rd., having approximately 100 bystanders cheer them on in their efforts. Timing in at an outstanding 17 minutes and 15 seconds, Robert King won the title of Overall Male while Overall Female went to Kristine Clarrie for her excellent time of 21:50. The designation of Master Female went to Heidi Strayer, having a record time of 23:20 while Jose Almarraz won the name of Master Male with a remarkable time of 17:37. While the previously mentioned were given medals, the remaining top three males and females in various age categories received glasses embossed with the race’s logo and date, while all children were awarded purple ribbons for their participation. With the last runner being timed at 63 minutes, the race was wrapped up party-style with music, raffles, vendors and lastly, an awards ceremony.
“We have participated in the ACS Relay For Life for the past four years. Each year, we do a fundraiser to raise money for our team,” mentioned Woodyer who estimated the group’s total contribution from the past two years alone to be approximately $30,000.
“Virtually every member of our club has been touched by cancer in one way or another. So, it is an easy decision to donate our time, money and efforts to benefit the ACS.”
With multiple sponsors providing the day’s itinerary, Bloomingdale Radiology headlined as the main sponsor, donating a whopping $1,000 towards the group’s endeavor. Giving thanks to those who attended, Woodyer added, “It was the combination of runners, walkers, sponsors, vendors and volunteers that made this event such a success. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of you!”
The 52-member group, which was started in 1999 will finalize their contribution to the ACS by participating in the FishHawk Relay For Life held in March. “It's truly an amazing event…Nothing can describe the feeling you get, from the survivor lap to the luminaria ceremony. It's definitely a time you will never forget,” said Woodyer.
The group’s general meeting is held the third Monday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church located at 3315 Bryan Rd. in Brandon. For more information, contact Woodyer at bloomingdalemoms@yahoo.com. For more information about the group, go to http://momsclubval-bloom.tripod.com/index.html.
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