Virtual 5K Run/Walk Supports After School Program
The FIU After-School All-Stars hosted a Virtual 5K Run/Walk fundraising event to support its ongoing programs for kids from low-income families in South Florida.
Over 100 participants chose their own race course in their neighborhoods to walk or run the 3.1 miles. Some chose to “sit-in” and to support the cause. The event raised over $20,000 to benefit the academic support and enrichment activities After-School All-Stars provide to more than 2,000 students in Title 1 middle and high schools across Miami-Dade County.
Sponsored by the Miami Heat, IberiaBank/First Horizon, MIC Foods and Fox Sports Florida, the two-day Virtual 5K began on Oct. 2 with a kick-off virtual event on Facebook where ASAS staff had a visit from Miami Heat dancers and Burnie. Participants submitted photos and their times online. Prizes were given to the top runners, best costume, biggest fundraiser and more.
“This event helped strengthen our community by bringing people together during this difficult time,” said Julie Todaro, ASAS’s development and marketing manager, who managed the event. “It also raised necessary funds to support the afterschool enrichment and educational programs for local middle and high school students.”
The program is run by certified teachers who work with these students during the day and offers them a safe environment after school where they gain critical social, educational and emotional skills to become confident and adaptable adults. With the pandemic, ASAS continued to support students by offering online programing.
“We knew that our kids needed us more than ever so we made sure we continued to provide services and support” said FIU After-School All-Stars Executive Director Sean Prospect.