Piercy Family Committed To Health, Wellbeing Of Community
By Space Coast Medicine & Active Living // May 15, 2013
2013 HUMANITARIAN AWARD GALA SET FOR NOV. 7
ABOVE VIDEO: Recognized by many as the go-to couple on the Space Coast for help with charitable causes, Running Zone owners Don and Denise Piercy was honored with selection as 2012 Central Florida Humanitarians of the Year. This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FORM TO NOMINATE A 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN CANDIDATE
Foundation’s Charter Promotes, Encourages Health and Fitness
Since its inception in 2003, the Running Zone athletic footwear and retail store in Melbourne has delivered on its promise to lead the way in community involvement and to make a significant impact on the health of area residents.
Recognized by many as the go-to couple on the Space Coast for help with charitable causes, Running Zone owners Don and Denise Piercy have been honored with selection as 2012 Central Florida Humanitarians of the Year.
Within a year of opening the Running Zone business, Don and Denise Piercy shouldered the difficult challenge of sponsoring and managing an annual race series for Brevard County.
That commitment led to them hosting 10 separate and distinct races under the Running Zone banner every year and then staging 40 more for local charities, including the biggest races in Brevard, like the annual Space Coast Marathon and Space Coast Half-Marathon each November.
By 2008, they had established the Running Zone Race Management Company, followed a year later by the establishment of the Running Zone Foundation in 2009 to formalize their pledge to help improve health and fitness programs on the Space Coast.
“The Foundation was established as a 501(c) (3) organization with the purpose of promoting exercise and fitness in our community,” said Don Piercy.
“The Foundation’s charter is to promote and encourage health and fitness in our community through running, jogging, walking and related educational programs and publications.”
Through the years, proceeds from Running Zone Foundation races have boosted charities such as the American Cancer Society; the American Heart Association; Brevard Rescue Mission; Brevard School Foundation; Honor America; Melbourne Arts; The Haven; the Satellite Beach Police Fund; and Team in Training & the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Other races managed by the Piercys have raised thousands for the Brevard Zoo; The Fountains; Space Coast Crew; Space Coast Runners; Space Coast Triathletes; Space Coast United Soccer; Sunrunners; Indialantic Force girls soccer; and Suntree/Viera Youth Football and Cheerleading.
Race proceeds have been donated for school cross country and track teams at Bayside High; Cocoa High; Eau Gallie High; Holy Trinity Episcopal High; Johnson Middle School; Melbourne High, Melbourne Central Catholic High; Palm Bay High; Satellite Beach High; and Viera High.
“It’s rewarding to raise money for charity, but it’s even more meaningful to have folks come up to you at an event and tell you that they became motivated and got out and got moving because of you,” Denise Piercy said. “Our hope is to get them out here and to stay active for the rest of their lives.”
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE 2012 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIANS
ABOUT THE 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, MPAC ACO, Community Credit Union, Clear Choice Health Care, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, Florida Pain, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, CentralFloridaMedicine.com and SpaceCoastDaily.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the 2013 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-615-8111 or e-mail SpaceCoastMedicine@gmail.com.
