The signature event for
TurtleTrax 2008: Opening Doors Changing Lives, presented by
John’s Island Real Estate and The Hill Group, is a 5K walk called The
Turtle Trek Community Walk. The event, expected to attract over 500
individuals in support of the Mental Health Association (MHA) will be held
Saturday, February 23rd, beginning and ending at Riverside
Park. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9
a.m. Walkers will wind their way through a comfortable, shaded route on
the Barrier Island and conclude at Riverside Park where the 3rd Annual
TurtleTrax Community Festival & Art Exhibit will be held.
Captains are currently recruiting walkers who will raise a suggested
minimum donation of $250 each as a fundraiser for the MHA. “Walkers in
Spirit” donations will also be accepted for those who are unable to walk
the route but wish to make a contribution.
Last year, Turtle Trek raised over
$250,000 to support the important work of the MHA in Indian River County,
an organization which helped over 4,000 local residents in 2006 alone.
With national statistics showing that one out of every five Americans
suffers from a diagnostic mental heath disorder, the clients of the MHA
are our friends, neighbors and co-workers and our loved ones. It is
because of the support and funds raised by our community that the MHA was
able to receive an unprecedented matching fund grant from the State of
Florida to provide immediate access to mental health services for the
residents of our county. This is a testament to the power of the
community’s investment in programs and services offered by the MHA.
Hope, Courage, Balance, Play, Renewal
and Grace are the themes chosen for the artistic portion of the special
events that will be unfolding between February and April. All walkers will
don a themed t-shirt and the Festival will showcase an Art Exhibit
featuring three foot turtles, eight foot doors and hand painted
cobblestone paths decorated to the spirited and uplifting themes. The
embellished doors and turtles from the Art Exhibit will be auctioned on
the evening of April 5th following the Judy Collins Concert at
Riverside Theatre. The cobblestones will be donated and remain on display
in public venues.
For more Turtle Trek information or to
register as a walker, call Katie at the MHA at 772-569-9788, or visit
www.TurtleTrax.org.
TurtleTrek Captains recently met to
coordinate all the exciting details of this year’s 5K community walk.
What could inspire them more than Captain Morgan the MHA turtle that
resides at the Moorings Sales Office off A1A in Vero Beach. Pictured are:
Back Row: Ann Lanier, Ann Zugelter, Jean Ueltschi, Kris Sarkauskas, Katie
Kowanic, Desiree Hillary, Carol Brandon
Front Row: Bevin Mugford, Katie Kirk, Dr.
Valerie Biehl
