The 3rd Annual Take Heart Leading Edge 5K could not have been more successful. As Delta Ryan, Founder and Owner of Take Heart Africa, and Mike Ryan, Owner and President of Leading Edge Physical Therapy, teamed up for this incredible event for the third year, they had to bring a new level of creativity to the table. As COVID-19 regulations rose throughout the summer, the Ryan’s wondered if the 5K would even be possible, but their drive to impact the local and international community empowered them to put on the most successful 5K yet. Though the event looked different with open start times and social distancing, the Take Heart Leading Edge Team was still able to exceed ALL of their past year goals in total registrations, sponsorships, and total money raised.
We attribute our success to our generous community. The Beta Alpha Psi Chapter of Florida Southern College brought the energy to cheer all of our runners and walkers through to the finish. With our hearts full, we extend great thanks to all of our amazing sponsors: Amanda Michie with Mary Kay, Randy Glotfelty Pottery, CWI Logistics, Mass Integration, Inc., Hulbert Homes, Meteor: Connecting the Dots, Dismuke Law, K & L Potty Pooper, LLC, Whatever Tees, Alltek Services, Radiant Printing, The Reardon Group with Keller Williams Realty, Springer-Peterson Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Sunshine Growers, Lakeland Moonwalk, CenterState, FHS Door & Dock Division, Bank of Central Florida, Ethos Roasters, Lanham Family Dentistry, FiT Fusion Premeir Health & Fitness, Optimist International of Lakeland, Woodmen Life, Interstate Batteries, New Teeth Now, Fargher Family, S&B Metal Products, Wall Titus, LLC, ABC Coffee & Supplies, Welcome Home Florida, Lakeland Automall, The Joy FM, WILLPOWER FITNESS, and Leading Edge Physical Therapy.
In addition, we had over 390 registrants who participated in a variety of ways come race day. While many of us gathered safely in person here in Lakeland, some participated virtually, and others loyally still supported through our sleep-in option. With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and participants, we are happy to announce that we raised over $30,000 at the 2020 Take Heart Leading Edge 5K!
A lap around Lake Hollingsworth on this day each year serves a cause that seems unreachable at times. The funds from this event cover a majority of annual organizational expenses for Take Heart. Your support goes directly to creating opportunities for orphans and widows in Kenya to overcome poverty through education & entrepreneurship. The excitement doesn’t stop here, as registration for the 2021 Take Heart Leading Edge 5K is already open for early sign ups, so join us next year! Same mission. Same place. Same race.
