Downtown Vero Beach was flooded with pink the day before Mother’s Day for the second annual Mother of all Races 5K Run/Walk hosted by the Buggy Bunch. Walkers and runners left from and ended their Saturday morning jaunt from the nonprofit’s recently completed facility.
Little ones dressed as superheroes kicked off the morning with childlike enthusiasm in a 100-meter Fun Run for children ages 5 and under. The caped-crusaders gave it their all and crossed the finish line in a blaze of cuteness, reminding everyone of the genesis for the event – to celebrate mothers by supporting Buggy Bunch programming.
The objective of the Buggy Bunch, a Christian-based organization, is to “build relationships and meet the needs of Indian River County moms and their families” through programming, outreach and discipleship. Its programs include educational playgroups, faith development, family and social outings, fitness and nutrition, a Diaper Closet, marriage enrichment, food delivery for new mothers, and a speaker series.
“Our mission is moms, and what better way than to have the Mother of all Races on Mother’s Day weekend,” said Tara Wright, Buggy Bunch executive director, adding that the event was organized to raise community awareness and funds for its programs.
Wright noted that most of their programming was paused during the pandemic’s stay-at-home mandate, with the exception of the Diaper Closet, a community outreach program that provides diapers, wipes and formula to impoverished mothers and families in the county.
“We saw double and, in some cases, triple our client base during COVID. There were a lot of people that were already struggling that were impacted even more because of COVID and the loss of income. That was definitely reflected in our clients,” said Wright.
She added that they were able to increase their stock thanks to funding from the United Way of Indian River County and that once the mandate was lifted, outdoor programs reconvened.
“Our moms were really desperate for interaction and relationships. Oftentimes, when we’re considering health and the safety measures that we need to put in place to protect ourselves, we forget about the whole mental health side of this and what that isolation can do. Moms were just coming out in droves, just really ready to hang out and be in fellowship with other moms.
They just need that support system, and that’s the basis of what we provide.”
Participants each received a relatable T-shirt that encouraged them to “Run like your mom just used your middle name!”
Taking the message to heart, Jake Kramer took first place overall with a time of 17:56, and Jessica Davis was first in the women’s division at 23:12.
An upcoming grand opening and community open house at the new Buggy Bunch facility will be announced shortly. For more information, visit thebuggybunch.com.
Photos by Kaila Jones
