On Sunday, Sept. 25 at Surprise Stadium, more than 400 people ages 5-92 participated in person or virtually during Sun Health Foundation’s third annual 5K Walk/Run for Women’s Health in support of healthier women and a stronger community.
More than $50,000 was raised for the benefit of women’s healthcare programs and services at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West through the Generosity for Generations Campaign.
To kick off the morning, Michael Barnes, Vice-chair of Sun Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Gina W. Ore, Chief Philanthropy Officer, welcomed everyone and added their energy to the already excited crowd.
“What a spectacular event,” exclaims Ron Symic, Chair of the Sun Health Foundation Events Committee who participated with his wife, Betty. “This was a record year for attendance, more than doubling the number of participants from the 2021 event and significantly increasing the support for women’s healthcare. Thank you to participants, donors, sponsors, and community partners for making this an event to remember and for the impact you’re making in the lives of women and families.”
Individuals and teams participated by walking, running, riding in wagons, and even cheering others on with signs like “Go Grandma.” Some walkers and runners got creative with athletic wear – from kilts and tutus, to crowns, tiaras, cat ears, and sashes. One team, the “Bride Squad” included family members celebrating a relative’s upcoming nuptials by dressing up in tutus, hats, matching shirts, and a veiled hat for the bride-to-be. Another team, the “Royal D.O.P.s and Court,” was comprised of Sun Health Foundation co-workers and their partners who had a royally good time wearing crowns, tiaras, and sashes.
Healthy snacks and beverages were supplied by Sun Health’s Sunny’s Food truck and community partners. Wellness resources were provided and drawings for gift baskets also were conducted.
“We’re so pleased and proud to see so many people, groups and organizations joining together for this important cause; some for the second or third time,” says Gina W. Ore, Chief Philanthropy Officer. “Participants came from all over the Valley and included residents from our Sun Health Communities – The Colonnade, Grandview Terrace and La Loma Village. There was also wonderful showing of Banner Health staff and physicians, and Sun Health staff. When we unite together, we make the greatest impact.”
The 5K is growing each year into a signature celebration of health and wellness in the West Valley. So be sure to join us next year. For information on future dates for this and other Sun Health Foundation events, contact Janine McGhee at [email protected] or call (623) 471-8503.
If you were unable to join us and would still like to support women’s health, for the ones you love, visit sunhealthfoundation.org/generosity or Call (623) 471-8500.
Special thanks to our outstanding sponsors:
Banner Health, Banner Rehabilitation Hospital West, Belmontez Construction, CDW, HILGARTWILSON, Independent Newsmedia, Morrison Living, OSM, Orcutt Winslow, and Zion & Zion
And community partners:
Burns Dentistry, Compassionate Home Care, Rx Benefits, Whataburger, and Wyyerd Fiber
