FORT MYERS, FL (February 7, 2019) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools held its 8 th Annual Strides for
Education 5K Run on Saturday, February 2nd. The event, hosted at Florida SouthWestern State College’s Lee Campus, raised money for The Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program.
1,336 business leaders, community partners, teachers, and local runners participated in the race this year breaking all previous records. Over $35,000 was raised and all proceeds will go towards college tuition scholarships for students who graduate from The Take Stock in Children Program.
Schools and businesses throughout Lee County were challenged to create the largest team by creating a friendly competition. This year’s winners are as follows:
School Challenge: Team Heights (Heights Elementary)
Corporate Challenge: Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands
Community Partner: Miles in Memory of Erik Babatz
“The Strides for Education 5k has truly become a community event raising funds to help some very deserving students attain a college education,” says Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
“Students, mentors, business leaders, and educators enjoy the beautiful outdoors at FSW state college’s campus and the community as a whole is the winner!” The Strides for Education 5k raises money for college scholarships to benefit students entering the Take Stock in Children program. Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a statewide scholarship program that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income youth to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools administers the program here in Lee County. Students enter the program in 6th or 9th grade and commit to remaining crime- and drug-free, maintaining a 2.5 GPA or higher, and meeting with a mentor regularly. Upon high school graduation, having kept this commitment, students are awarded a four-year college tuition scholarship.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Suncoast Credit Union
Major Sponsors: Florida SouthWestern State College, Jason’s Deli, Lee Health, The News-Press Media Group, Pool Pros, Inc.
Gold Sponsors: B&I Contractors, Inc., Capital Bank, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Hodges University, LCEC, McGriff Insurance Services, Stahlman-England
Silver Sponsors: Il Primo Pizza & Wings, Marshall T. Bower, Esq., Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Waste Pro
8th Annual Take Strides for Education 5k Run/Page 2
Bronze Sponsors: Around The Clock Fitness, Florida Title One, LLC
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. The Foundation is rated as a 4-star nonprofit organization by GuideStar. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, and on Facebook.
