Suncoast STARS Community 2nd Annual Stride to Thrive

EVENT DESCRIPTION
Our 2nd Annual Stride to Thrive event is Suncoast STARS Community’s family-friendly fundraising walk/run benefiting our innovative Work
& Enrichment Program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new 5k run added this year is chip starting. 

The course loop will take you from the Grace Community Church campus parking lot on to Communications Pkwy around Professional Pkwy to Lakewood Ranch Blvd N finishing back at the Grace Community Church campus parking lot. The 1-mile walk is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. It will start and end at Grace Community Church also and will begin right after all 5k runners have started the race. Following the run/walk, participants will enjoy a Family Fun Fest, including food trucks, a bouncy castle, music by DJ Mike, face painters, local vendors, nonprofit booths, a silent auction, and more!

Sponsorship opportunities are available!

📍 Event Overview:
Race: Suncoast Stars 5k / 1mile
Location: 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
Packet Pick-Up:  Thursday, February 26th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church. Also, pick-up available race morning from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
Welcome Message at 8am
National Anthem at 8:15am
5k / 1mile event Start Time: 8:30 AM

WHO WE ARE
Suncoast STARS Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide a work, enrichment, and educational community where adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs are empowered to live full, productive, and satisfying lives in a God-centered and nurturing environment. Visit us at www.suncoaststars.org.

WHAT WE DO
Once high school ends, adults with Down Syndrome, Autism and other special needs often face a future of isolation, boredom, and
depression. We believe every person, regardless of ability, is created by God with purpose and dignity and deserves the opportunity
to develop their talents and enjoy full lives. We refer to the folks we serve as STARS – Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards. At
Suncoast STARS Community, we offer a robust enrichment program including classes in fitness and nutrition, book club, improv, Bible
study, sports talk, and much more. We have also developed our first specially modified business enterprise - a Greeting Card Studio where our STARS produce high-quality greeting cards which we sell to local retailers and churches. We slow down the pace, make modifications, and provide staff and volunteer support so our STARS can be successful. Our goal is to engage our STARS physically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually – the whole person.