Blueberry 5K Raises Funds for Early Childhood Education

The Jess Parrish Medical Foundation (JPMF) Blueberry 5K Run/Walk held on May 14, 2016 at Holland Family Blueberry Farm raised more than $8,000, exceeding the goal by more than $3,000. Proceeds benefitted the Parrish Early Care and Education (PECE) program at The Children's Center in Titusville.

“We’d like to thank Holland Family Blueberry Farms for selecting PECE as the beneficiary program and The Children’s Center as the event partner. The community supported this event through sponsoring, running and walking which helped us exceed our goal so more children can be successful in school,” said Barbara Terhune, chair of the JPMF Board of Directors.

More than 400 runners, walkers and volunteers participated in the sixth annual Blueberry 5K, which was the final race in the Titusville Racing Series. The PECE program provides high-quality developmental and educational care in fully inclusive classrooms where typically developing children and those with special needs learn together. The Children’s Center, a service of Parrish Medical Center, houses seven not-for-profit agencies that annually provide services for more than 2,200 families. Through collaboration and coordination of specialized services, it offers a continuum of care to all children, regardless of ability or socioeconomic status.

The committee secured sponsorships by community members and organizations. Platinum sponsors included Jeffrey M. Barlow, DDS, PA and N. Christine Sylvester. Gold sponsors included Canaveral Plastering Inc.; Bill and Rachel Terry; and The Watauga Company. Event co-chairs were Jayne Goehmann and Christina Mitsakos. Other members of the committee included Lori Duester, Lorna Holland, Amy Lord, Esther Porta, Kathy Simonsen, and Marty Winkel. The event was chip timed and managed by Space Coast Event Management.