Local Participants Run to Combat Childhood Obesity

Over 450 participants including teams of corporate runners, families, and children spent a recent Sunday morning running along the Hollywood Boardwalk all for a good cause: to end childhood obesity.

In all, over $10,000 was raised for FLIPANY’s programs that teach low-income youth and families about nutrition and fitness in order to help them make healthy lifestyle choices. “This event was a great time to come together on a beautiful morning and help a great cause”, said Lori Hart, running coach for the Memorial Milers, one of the teams participating in the event.

The FLIPANY Fun Run was part of the Let’s Move Florida initiative which brings First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign to Florida by raising awareness of the importance of health and wellness and providing opportunities for adults and children to get moving.

“We want to thank the Memorial Healthcare Systems for being the title sponsor for this event and supporting FLIPANY’s nutrition and fitness education programs in Broward County. We were so excited to see the incredible turnout and all the participants getting their exercise for the day,” said Lynne Kunins, Executive Director of FLIPANY, (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth).

BJ’s Foundation and Whole Foods Market also helped sponsor the event that included a Zumba class by Milla and kids activities by Ceramics on Wheels. Showing their community support, the VABHOE (Virginia A. Boone Highland Oaks Elementary) Kiwanis K-kids raised money for FLIPANY by selling Energized4ever bracelets and shoelaces. (energized4ever.com)

The next Let’s Move Florida event is being planned in partnership with Broward County Comprehensive School Health Advisory Council (BCCSHAC) on May 14, 2011 at Huizenga Plaza and will include a health and fitness fair, a family walk, and presentations about healthy living. For more information on the May event call 954-636-2388 or go to www.flipany.org

To view photos from the 5th Annual Memorial Healthcare System FLIPANY Fun Run visit www.Facebook.com/Flipany

Advertisement