Lee University Event Surpasses $500,000 Mark in Fund-Raising
A record number of participants gathered at Lee University to celebrate the 12th annual Great Strides event which raises funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
This year, the 12-year total for Lee’s Great Strides surpassed the $500,000 mark, bringing the all-time total to more than $541,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The preliminary amount raised for this year alone was $59,000.
All donations for Lee University Great Strides go toward the CF Foundation’s research and care programs to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
“The huge crowd and energetic participation was a wonderful source of support and encouragement to the many families and individuals who are directly affected by cystic fibrosis,” said Vanessa Hammond, CF parent and co-chair of Great Strides.
This year’s Great Strides included the 10th annual 65 Roses 5K, with 825 runners registered for race and the 12th annual Great Strides walk, bringing out over 275 walkers on 26 teams. Winners for 65 Roses 5K were Caleb Morgan, leading the men with a time of 16:06 and Maggie Opelt, first to cross the line for women with a time of 18:49.
The 5K road race was directed by Dr. Bill Estes, department chair in the Helen DeVos College of Education at Lee.
“This year was a big step up in everything, from money raised, to number of runners and walkers, to community and corporate sponsor involvement,” Estes said. “If you consistently put on a quality event, you gain a lot of traction in a community. I think this year we saw these pieces come together.”
More than 275 walkers gather in front of the Paul Conn Student Union for the 12th annual Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis. (photo submitted by Mike Wesson)
