Family Central to Host First Annual Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk to Benefit South Florida Families

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Nov. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- Family Central, a leading South Florida-based nonprofit family support organization, is hosting its very first annual Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk to raise funds to assist economically disadvantaged families in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Currently, there are more than 15,000 children on the organization’s waiting lists to receive much-needed services and programs, including subsidized child care. Proceeds from the walk will help fund these programs, which aid over 100,000 families each year.

The Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk will be held December 20 at Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd. in Coconut Creek at 8 a.m. (Check-in begins at 7 a.m.). Participants will enjoy a continental breakfast, music, prizes, games and activities for children, and fun for the entire family. Prizes include a Royal Caribbean cruise for two, Miami Dolphins game tickets, and tickets to an upcoming theater production at Broward Center for the Arts. The registration fee is $15 for adults 18 and older, and free for youth 17 and younger.

“At Family Central, we are truly appreciative of the support we’re receiving for our upcoming Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk,” said Dr. Barbara Weinstein, CEO/President of Family Central, Inc. “The response from our sponsors, community leaders and local residents has been overwhelming. Through our efforts, we look forward to not only empowering families, but also emphasizing the importance of protecting and investing in our greatest assets—our children.”

For the past 43 years, economically-challenged families residing in South Florida have relied on Family Central to provide child care resources and referral services, subsidized child care eligibility determination and enrollment, and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). With a staunch commitment to early education, Family Central offers ongoing training and coaching of child care teachers and directors. Through programs aimed at promoting and supporting early learning and literacy, the organization strives to build communities.

Sponsors for the 2014 Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk include Holland & Knight, AFL-CIO, Daszkal Bolton LLP, Royal Caribbean International, Dr. Kerry Kuhn and Mrs. Gail Kuhn, Gehring Group, Royles Gourmet Catering, Marcum LLP, Laser Light Litho Corp, Rotary Club of Coral Springs-Parkland, Keiser University, Dex Imaging, Traffic Safety Education Foundation, Career Resources, Inc., Steve Holt, P.A., Mitch Feig, Ira Hochman, Lincoln Financial Group, Wendrey Food Management, Iron Mountain, American Express, Shutts & Bowen, Gateway Insurance, Sports Authority, Panera Bread, and Discount School Supply.

To register, sponsor, volunteer or make a donation to the Step Forward for Kids 5K Walk, visit http://www.familycentral.org/5k.

About Family Central, Inc.

Founded in 1971, Family Central Inc.(FCI) is a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering families by providing comprehensive child care, clinical and family strengthening programs, and early learning training throughout South Florida. Nationally-accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and certified by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET), FCI continues to transform lives through its mission to promote children’s success through quality family support and educational services. FCI serves more than 100,000 families and early care providers annually in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. For more information about Family Central’s programs and services, visit http://www.familycentral.org.