Over 430 participants joined STARability Foundation’s 6th Annual Run, Walk and Roll 5K on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples. The race was timed by Florida Race Day and emceed by Corey Lazar, WINK News anchor. STARability raised more than $100,000 which included a $10,000 challenge by co-chairs Jeff and Maureen Maconaghy, making it the most successful race to date. Funds will be used to expand STARability’s innovative, life-transforming programs and services that shine light on ability, not disability and meet increasing community needs.
“STARability’s mission is a beacon of hope, promoting inclusivity and empowerment for people with developmental disabilities,” said Collier Board of County Commissioners Chairman Rick LoCastro, who served as the Grand Marshal of the race. “It was an honor to assist with such an amazing and inspiring event that generated a massive turnout of enthusiastic participants and record-setting contributions and local investment for an organization that does so much for our entire community. Events like this race showcase the incredible power of community unity.”
Generous sponsors and underwriters of the race were:
· Title Sponsor – Inspired Closets SWFL
· T-shirt Sponsor – AssuredPartners Transportation
· Medal Sponsor – Gordon Pass Property Management
· Bib Sponsors – ABLE United and Porter Wright
· Course Signage Underwriter – Moran Wealth Management
· Décor Underwriter – Germain Lexus of Naples
· Entertainment Underwriter – Becker Custom Builders
· Water Station Underwriters – Tropical Tile & Marble, Inc., DeAngelis Diamond and the Sylvester Family
· Photo Booth Underwriter – Faris Team Real Estate
· Dog Bandana Underwriter – PDQ Naples
· Media Sponsors – Gulfshore Business and Naples Daily News
During the award ceremony, Henry Burkley, top STARability 5K participant and son of presenting sponsor Inspired Closets SWFL’s owners H.L and Kerry Burkley, gave an inspiring speech. “I love and care for you all. We need to keep doing this race,” said Burkley.
“We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support of everyone who attended and helped make this event possible,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We could not have surpassed our $100,000 fundraising goal without the support of our STAR families and the community. Seeing the sense of accomplishment and pure joy as our STARs crossed the finish line is incredibly rewarding.”
Thank You to Our Corporate Ticket Holders: Calusa Bay Design, Douglas Elliman Real Estate – Naples, Jennifer Marchionda Design Consulting, Lorna Fedelem, MD and Associates / North Naples Aesthetics, PBS Contractors, Pure Florida, The Learning Room, Local Lifestyle Garden & Arts Educational Outreach Inc., U.S. Tax Accounting, LLC, Debbie Carrillo, Charlie Carpenter, Judy & Ken Gilman, Annette King, Alexis Kypriotes, Jana Lukesova, Lorraine Nagar, Naomy Rendon, Thomas Rodriguez, Joana Stoner and Jodi Ziajka
Thank you, Northwestern Mutual – The Naples Group, for your generous donation of water for our Water Stations.
Thank you, Wholesome Hound, for your pawesome donation of treats and goodies for our Top Dog award recipient.
