Fort Myers, FL – On Saturday, February 28, 2026, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools proudly hosted the 15th Anniversary Edition of the Take Stock in Children Strides for Education 5K Walk/Run at Florida SouthWestern State College. With over 1,300 participants crossing the starting line, this milestone event marked the largest turnout in the race’s history and showcased the community’s unwavering commitment to local students.
Celebrating fifteen years of strides toward student success, this special anniversary race featured commemorative finisher medals awarded to all participants who completed the course — a meaningful symbol of the dedication shared by runners, walkers, mentors, students, and supporters alike.
The Strides for Education 5K serves as a vital fundraiser and awareness initiative benefiting the Take Stock in Children program. Through scholarships, mentoring, and college readiness support, the program opens doors for deserving students in Lee County who face financial barriers to higher education. Funds generated from this annual event directly support scholarships and ongoing mentorship, helping students stay on track academically and empowering them to pursue their postsecondary goals.
What an extraordinary day we had at our 15th Annual Strides for Education 5K!” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “It was one of our largest races yet, and the weather was perfect. So many students, teachers, administrators, and community partners came out to help us raise funds to break the cycle of poverty for some very deserving students through a college education. The future of our community is on the right track because we have so many caring and involved partners here in Southwest Florida.”
Participants represented schools, businesses, and community organizations from across Lee County. The following groups were recognized for their outstanding participation and for bringing the largest teams:
Schools Category: Pinewoods Elementary
Business Partner Category: B&I Contractors
Community Partner Category: Miles in Memory of Erik Babatz
Sponsors for the 15th Anniversary Strides for Education 5K included:
Title Sponsor: Suncoast Credit Union
Major Sponsors: Florida SouthWestern State College, FineMark Bank & Trust, Jason’s Deli, News-Press, Wright Construction Group
Gold Sponsors: LCEC, Edison National Bank, Lee County Tax Collector, Waste Pro, Boy Agnew Potanovic Miller
Silver Sponsors: Gulf Coast Orthodontics, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, B&I Contractors, John Felsenthal, Sallee Promotions
The generosity of these partners played a critical role in making this milestone event possible and continues to advance the Foundation’s mission of building brighter futures through education.
After fifteen years, the Strides for Education 5K remains more than a race — it is a celebration of opportunity, mentorship, and the collective investment in the next generation of leaders in 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.
###
Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO
Tel. (239) 337-0433 Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org