Elliot Stevens, Ford Nichols, Thai Carson and Easton Raasveldt [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Well over 400 people started off the day last Saturday morning at the Quail Valley River Club for the annual Quail Valley Charities ‘Making Strides for Children’ 5K Walk/Run and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run – some as participants and others to cheer on their friends, family members and, in some cases, even the family dogs.

Folks were all smiles as they milled about, snacking on goodies served up by the wonderful Quail Valley staff, getting in some pre-race stretches, chatting with acquaintances and making new friends.

“We always ask our sponsored organizations to participate, and we usually ask them to volunteer. But this year we asked them to bring a team. That’s why there are so many more people and so many more kids,” said Wanda Lincoln, Quail Valley Charities committee chair.

Lincoln explained that the participants from the 30-plus beneficiary organizations were asked to wear their own team T-shirts, adding, “So what’s happening that’s really nice, is that the charities are getting to know each other.”

“It’s a great day; a great success. It’s fun to get the children involved, because that’s what it’s all about,” said Kathy Mulvey, Quail Valley CEO/owner. “The momentum we have with the charities keeps getting bigger and bigger each year. People really love what we do with the charities in Indian River County, and our membership is unbelievably supportive.”

To date, Quail Valley Charities has donated $6.6 million to local programs focused on children and education. Mulvey said they hope to raise even more than last year’s $607,000 to fund this year’s grants.

“It’s the most giving membership. I’m so proud of our volunteers, and my charity committee is unbelievable,” said Mulvey. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

The portico echoed with encouragement as a group of young ladies from the Vero Elite Volleyball Academy cheered on the runners as they neared the finish line.

Just across from them, Joanna Meyers was doing the same thing, commenting with a laugh, “I’m running out of steam clapping! It’s the most enthusiastic crowd ever.”

Prior to the 5K, excited youngsters in the Kids Fun Run, ranging in age from 2 to 14, had taken off like a shot. Winners in the 6-and-under category were Jarren Rossmell and Araya Hindelang; ages 7-to-9 winners were Chris Curley and Lucille Banzhaf; 10-to-12 winners were Austin Banzhaf and Cassidy Olea; and 13-and-over winners were Parker Banzhaf and Tanea Wymer.

While the adults took part in their 5K, youngsters made their way to a new addition this year – an area filled with bounce houses and slides.

In the 5K race, where runners spanned nearly eight decades – from age 4 to 82 – the overall winner was Michael Musso at 19:00:56, and the top female runner was Stephanie DiLella at 22:23:77.