AVDA Invites the Whole Family to the Kick-Off 5K of the South Florida Running Season October 11, 2008

AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence, Inc.) of Delray Beach will help kick-off the South Florida “running season” with its 5K Run/Walk 2008 on October 11. The race begins at 7:30 a.m.

Held in Anchor Park in Delray Beach, which borders beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, the scenic event attracted more than 500 participants, volunteers and supporters last year for a day of fitness and fun. 2007’s 5K raised a record $70,000 for domestic abuse programs and outreach to survivors.

Truly a family occasion, the 2008 5K Run/Walk will include a Family Fun Mile Race and a Kids’ Race for children 6 and under. Tim Byrd “The Byrdman” of KOOL 105.5 will serve as MC and honorary chair.

“It is a family fun morning,” said Pam O’Brien, executive director of AVDA. “We try to make it as exciting and upbeat as possible with Ronald McDonald, children’s activities and lots of smiles. Everyone has such a good time, and it’s a beautiful course to run along A1A”

To register, visit www.avdaonline.org and click on the “5K” link, or call the Race Coordinator at 561-265-3797, ext. 118.

O’ Brien notes that nine years ago, this event – then called a walk-a-thon – began with 16 people, who wanted to raise awareness about AVDA. Many of the original walkers were present last year. She credits Diane Hoffman, an AVDA board member, with transforming the event into what it is today. A survivor of domestic violence, Hoffman of Delray Beach, intimately understands what it means to believe in oneself enough to finish a 5K and possibly begin a new life. Hoffman introduced the standard elements of a real race – initially, a timed course, advertising and sponsorships; then, a certified course with chip timing and more volunteers. Then, she reached out to the running clubs.

“We made this a good race. What’s more pleasant than running alongside the ocean? We have to have lots of support and lots of foods and prizes to make it a good day,” Hoffman said.

AVDA’s 5K Run/Walk 2008 is sponsored by Woolbright Development Corporation, Anne and Peter Vesgo, Tammy and Greg Babij, The Palm Beach Post, St. Paul Episcopal of Delray Beach, CorpSource Solutions (of Boca Raton), Royal Palm Properties, the Daughters of Penelope Leda Chapter 59, Miller Physical Therapy (of Delray Beach), Lifecare Home Health Services (of Delray Beach), Raymond James Financial Boca Raton office, Stacy Linton/Linton Real Estate (of Delray Beach), Ocean City Properties and the Police Department of Delray Beach.

AVDA is a nonprofit organization that has been providing support to survivors of domestic violence for the past 20 years. Emergency shelter, a 24-hour hotline, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and counseling are some of the services offered to adult and child survivors of domestic violence. For more information, call (561) 265-3797 or visit www.avdaonline.org.

Official Website: http://www.avdaonline.org