In April, members of the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club participated in a hybrid version of their 19th annual 5K Walk/Run, with the club’s fitness and wellness committee selecting United Against Poverty of Indian River County to be the recipient of the proceeds this year.
Participants included more than 50 members and guests who took part in the in-person race, and 66 members sponsored the event. Another 18 opted to walk or run in a virtual version, with Denise Duda, fitness, wellness & spa director, and Tiffany Long, tennis & fitness pro shop manager, tracking their miles in the week leading up to the actual 5K.
United Against Poverty representatives Matt Tanner, executive director, and George Cooper, development director, were both on hand to provide an overview on how the funds would be utilized.
“Orchid Island is thrilled to support United Against Poverty, an organization that gives so much to the community. Their work in these difficult times has made a difference to many. It is an honor to be associated with them,” said Bill Kennedy, tennis & fitness committee chair.
At a presentation a few weeks later, Tanner was presented with a check for $18,000, the largest amount raised by the 5K to date, which was especially welcome given the increase of people requiring UP services.
“Thanks to the support that the Orchid Island community has shown in our mission, the team at United Against Poverty is positioned to continue to innovate, build coalitions in our community, and have the agility and resources to rise to meet the greatest needs of our neighbors,” said Tanner. “Our hand up vs. a handout model has impacted the lives of thousands of residents across our great county, and with the generosity of Orchid Island, we will only further expand our impact.”
Club members Bill Badia and Elke Higgins took top honors as the fastest male and female finishers, and a virtual mileage thermometer showed that Phil Gully logged the most miles in the week-long virtual run.
Photos by Brenda Ahearn
