FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
(EON: Enhanced Online News)– Gain: PICTURES INCLUDED
Foundation For Lee County Public Schools Hosts its 14th Annual Take Stock in Children’s Strides for Education 5K Walk/Run
Fort Myers, FL – On February 1st, 2025, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools successfully hosted its 14th Annual Take Stock in Children’s Strides for Education 5K Walk/Run at Florida SouthWestern State College. With close to 1,100 participants, the event proved to be a significant success, uniting the community in support of educational initiatives that benefit local students.
The Take Stock in Children Strides for Education 5K plays a crucial role in raising both awareness and funds to support the Take Stock in Children program, which provides scholarships, mentoring, and crucial resources to students in Lee County. The funds raised through this event directly contribute to creating life-changing opportunities for students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education. By participating in the 5K, the community not only demonstrates its commitment to improving educational outcomes but also helps ensure that local students receive the guidance and financial support they need to succeed academically and beyond. This annual event is a key driver in empowering the next generation of leaders and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their full potential.
“We look forward to this event every year,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “Celebrating our awesome students in the Take Stock in Children Program while, at the same time, raising funds to purchase scholarships is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. These students are our future and from what I can see, the future is bright!”
The event highlighted the collective efforts of schools, businesses, and community organizations in advancing educational opportunities. The following groups were recognized for their outstanding participation, bringing the largest teams:
- Schools Category: Pinewoods Elementary
- Business Partner Category: Edison National Bank / Bank of the Islands
- Community Partner Category: Miles in Memory of Erik Babatz
Key sponsors for the event included:
- Title Sponsor: Suncoast Credit Union
- Major Sponsors: Florida SouthWestern State College, Finemark National Bank & Trust, Foxtail Coffee Co., and The News-Press
- Gold Sponsors: Lee County Electric Cooperative, Wright Construction Group, Edison National Bank/Bank of The Islands, Lee County Tax Collector, Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller, PLLC, and Karen S. Orman & David A. Lewis.
These sponsors played an instrumental role in making the event possible, contributing to the Foundation’s ongoing mission to provide scholarships, mentors, and support for students throughout Lee County.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About Take Stock in Children
Since 1995, Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has helped to break the cycle of poverty for over 42,000 of Florida’s low-income, at-risk youth by providing scholarships, mentors, and hope. Consistently achieving high school graduation rates that exceed the state average, Take Stock in Children is Florida’s flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. To donate, volunteer, or learn about Take Stock in Children, please visit www.takestockinchildren.org.
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Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO
Tel. (239) 337-0433
Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org
