The Rising Star Newsletter
WINTER 2019
The Rising Star Newsletter
WINTER 2019
The Rising Star Newsletter
WINTER 2019
The Rising Star Newsletter
SUMMER 2019
5th Annual SUP & Run 5k
The highly anticipated 5th SUP & RUN 5K is a local event that has taken Sarasota by storm. Founded by Centauri’s Chief Marketing Officer Felicia Cox and now in its fifth year, the SUP & RUN 5K has grown to be one of the area’s largest and most popular 5K’s. During the inaugural year Centauri Insurance stepped in to become the title sponsor. Participation and volunteering continues to be near and dear to the hearts of the Centauri staff and their families.
The SUP & RUN 5K is so special and unique because it supports Operation Second Chance (OSC). With over 14 years of dedicated service to wounded, injured and ill veterans, OSC bonds our nation’s heroes to life after service. Veterans, service members and their families receive financial assistance, attend retreats and participate in adaptive sporting events like the SUP & RUN 5K. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from retired Army Specialist Charles (Charlie) Lemon and Kevin Kenny, a retired Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office major and former Army helicopter pilot who serves as the boots on the ground for Operation Second Chance.
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Charlie was assigned to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment and was deployed to Iraq in 2010. He was injured in combat in 2011 when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb and lost both of his legs. "Participating in this event gives us a chance to compete with each other and get a feeling of pride to be able to show everyone that we are still capable of accomplishing physical challenges like everyone else. All of this while helping support an organization (OSC) that has given so much to us and so many of our wounded veterans all over the country. Operation Second Chance has kept me active and made my life so much better," said Charlie.
Charlie was invited to participate in his first SUP & RUN 5k in 2015. "Knowing that it supported Operation Second Chance, it was a no-brainer for me. Little did I know that the invite would also come with me being presented with a paddle board to use during the race and keep as my own!” said Charlie.
“The veteran participation has increased each year, so much that the veterans now have their own category,” said Kevin Kenney. Kevin is passionate about giving back to those that have selflessly sacrificed so much and the SUP & RUN 5K serves that purpose in a number of ways. “In my opinion, fundraising is actually the smallest part of the impact of this event. The opportunity for our community to show our appreciation to the participating veterans is the key to success for this event. Watching friendships being forged between our veterans and the community in the last five years is easily the thing I love best about this event."
This year's event was nothing short of incredible and veteran participation was the highest yet. Check out the drone video footage for highlights from this year's race. Details on how to sign up for this fun event next year can be found below.
Charles (Charlie) Lemon
US Army Combat Veteran
2019 SUP & RUN Drone Video Footage
How can I participate next year?
For more information on the SUP & RUN 5K, visit https://www.supandrun.com/. Click the link below to register for next year's race which will take place on May 16, 2020!