Funds will help fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
The Pantry Inc. is hosting a Roo Run 5K race through the Jacksonville Zoo to raise funds for Give Kids The World Village (GKTW), a 70-acre, non-profit “storybook” village in central Florida that provides cost-free, weeklong vacations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Runners will meet at the starting line at the Jacksonville Zoo in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, Oct. 12 to enjoy a fun-filled race inside the zoo.
Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony and race kick-off at 7:50 a.m. Kids can also join the action by competing in a Kids Fun Run, starting at 9 a.m.
“To celebrate our third year of supporting Give Kids The World, we invite the Jacksonville community to join Kangaroo Express and our mascot, The Roo, in a 5K hop among his friends at the zoo,” said Paul Moody, division vice president at Kangaroo Express. “By coming together to support Give Kids The World, our community is sharing the magic and happiness found here in our backyard of Central Florida with children and families that need it most.”
Since October 2011, Kangaroo Express has helped raise more than $1 million for GKTW, allowing more than 195 children and their families to enjoy a magical vacation.
In addition to the race, registered participants will enjoy a full day’s admission to Jacksonville Zoo, a Roo Run T-shirt, canvas duffel goody bag, and on-course and post-race refreshments.
Top fundraisers for the event will be awarded for their efforts to help support GKTW. The top fundraiser will be awarded a $100 Visa gift card and the next second highest fundraiser will receive a $50 Visa gift card.
“We are honored to count Kangaroo Express among our most treasured partners,” said GKTW President Pam Landwirth. “The Roo Run 5k is yet another way Kangaroo Express associates work tirelessly to help us create the happiness that inspires hope for our precious guests. Their compassion and dedication is an inspiration.”
Every year, GKTW fulfills the wishes of more than 7,000 children with life-threatening illnesses from around the world whose one desire is to visit the theme parks of central Florida. While staying at the whimsical GKTW ‘Village’, these children and their families learn that dreams really do come true as they are immersed in joy, hope and nonstop fun for a few unforgettably happy days.
To register for the Roo Run, visit http://kangarooexpress.com/AboutUs.
Kangaroo Express guests can also donate to GKTW and celebrate the kick-off of football season at any of the almost 570 participating Florida, Georgia and South Carolina Kangaroo Express convenience stores by purchasing a $1 or $5 pin up to hang in the store, or by donating their change at the register.
