Community Gears Up for 2nd Annual Friends of the Poor 5K Run/Walk in Cocoa Beach

Entry fees are $28 for adults and $15 for children

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA — The St. Vincent de Paul Our Saviour Conference will host the 2nd Annual Friends of the Poor 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 27, at the Church of Our Saviour, located at 5301 N Atlantic Avenue in Cocoa Beach.

Race time begins at 8 a.m., with same-day registration open from 6:45 – 7:30 a.m.

Part of a nationwide initiative organized by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the local 5K aims to raise critical funds for the Conference’s Outreach Center and Food Pantry, which serve vulnerable populations in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

In 2024 alone, the volunteer-run organization provided over $108,000 in aid, including $61,000 in food assistance and $47,000 for emergency needs like rent, utilities, and medical care.

A Family-Friendly Event with a Mission

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join the 5K run/walk, which follows a scenic out-and-back route starting from the church parking lot and winding through Banana River Drive and surrounding residential streets.

Entry fees are $28 for adults and $15 for children ages Pre-K to 17 (plus processing fees). A free Kids Dash will take place after the main event, ensuring fun for the whole family.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the course, and all runners and walkers will be treated to post-race refreshments. Dozens of age-category awards will be presented, adding a competitive edge to the community celebration.

A Raffle for a Cause

One of the day’s major highlights will be the Raffle Basket Extravaganza, featuring more than 40 themed baskets, each valued at $100 or more. Prizes include hotel stays, dolphin tours, spa packages, retail and dining gift cards, and more.

Raffle tickets are available in advance on September 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Church of Our Saviour Community Center, or during the event. Ticket options include 1 for $5, 3 for $10, or an arm’s length for $20. Winners do not need to be present to claim prizes.

Answering a Critical Need

The mission behind the event is rooted in compassion and urgency. In a community of 21,000, approximately 2,700 Cocoa Beach–Cape Canaveral residents experience hunger daily. Nearly half of those in need don’t qualify for government support. St. Vincent de Paul Our Saviour Conference, a 100% volunteer-operated organization founded in 1988, steps in to bridge that gap, relying solely on donations and community partnerships.

“Our work is made possible through the generosity of the Church of Our Saviour parishioners, the Elks Lodge 2387, Cocoa Beach Woman’s Club, Riverside Presbyterian Church, and local businesses,” said event organizers. “We receive no government funding, but our impact is entirely local and entirely life-changing.”

In 2024, the Outreach Center delivered over 6,000 individual services to more than 700 people, embodying the Christian values of charity and service through every act.

Get Involved

Community members can register for the race, donate, or sign up to volunteer using the links below:

● Register for the Race

● Donate:

● SignUp to Volunteer

● Facebook Event

● More Info: Church of Our Saviour Website

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