The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Hosts 9th Annual Take Strides for Education 5K Walk/Run
Raising over $54,000 towards scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
– (EON: Enhanced Online News) – Gain
FORT MYERS, FL (February 4, 2020) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools held its 9th Annual Strides for Education 5K Run on Saturday, February 1st. The event, hosted at Florida SouthWestern State College’s Lee Campus, raised money for The Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program.
1,200 business leaders, community partners, teachers, and local runners participated in the race this year. Over $54,000 was raised, breaking all previous records. 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., Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Hodges University, LCEC, McGriff Insurance Services, Waste Pro
Silver Sponsors: First Horizon Bank, Il Primo Pizza & Wings, Marshall T. Bower, Esq., Rasmussen College, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Bronze Sponsors: Florida Title One, LLC, i9 Sports, Staywell Health Plans, A Wellcare Company, Seed & Bean Market, Sallee Promotions, Inc.
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 Platinum organization by Guide Star. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, and on Facebook.
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Contact:
Brittany Carroll
Marketing and Development Director
239.337.0433
Brittany@LeeSchoolFoundation.org
