Learn more about Girls on the Run plans for expansion into Lee

September 19, 2018- Ft. Myers Florida Weekly – Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, a national character development program for girls ages 8-13, hopes to expand its programming in Lee County. The organization, which currently operates one site at the Bonita Springs Charter School, is seeking additional site locations for spring enrollment.

Parents, teachers, school administrators and potential volunteers are invited to learn more at an open house from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive.

“We’ve grown to 24 sites in Collier County, and we want to share this wonderful program with schools and afterschool programs in Lee County,” said Christine McConnelee, executive director for Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida. Starting a new site requires just three adults who want to make a difference in a young girl’s life, she adds.

Girls on the Run provides the curriculum, coach training and materials needed to facilitate the program.

“And despite our name, volunteers do not need to be runners,” Ms. McConnelee stresses. “Our program is about coaching young girls to run the race of life through character development and responsible choices.”

Girls on the Run is a 10-week program led by volunteer coaches who guide and mentor girls through a curriculum focused on teamwork, community service and self-respect. The goal is for participants to develop a stronger sense of identity, greater acceptance of themselves and others, and healthier habits through food choices and exercise. The program concludes with all participants completing a celebratory 5K event that gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida is serving more than 430 girls in grades 3-8 this fall, with nearly 40 percent receiving a full or partial scholarship to participate.

Annual sponsors to date are: United Healthcare, Build, Beverly Brennan, BKS Yoga, Carolina Catering, Dr. Kelly Malinoski, ML Meade, Suzanne Klym and Neapolitan Family magazine.

For information about the open house, enrollment, becoming a coach, volunteering or sponsoring the program, email Melissa.Alvarado@girlsontherun.org, visit www.gotrswfl.org or learn more on Facebook. ¦