Representatives with SouthGroup Insurance Services present Friends board members with a check for $28,000 showcasing their hard work from the 4th annual Make A Difference 5K.
More than 800 participants signed up to run in the 4th annual SouthGroup Insurance Make A Different 5K Run/Walk scheduled for Saturday, February 18th in Ridgeland. This was the first year that Mother Nature did not cooperate and more than 600 dedicated walkers and runners took to the course in the rain. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and a huge thank you to the SouthGroup employees and volunteers who give their time each year for this event.
SouthGroup representatives gave a check totaling $28,000 to Friends of Children’s Hospital in April. This is the largest amount raised to date from the Make A Difference 5K. This is a phenomenal amount and our organization is so grateful to be the recipient of these funds. SouthGroup President Ronnie Tubertini is already has his eyes on next year and is looking forward to a larger crowd and more money raised for children’s hospital. Race organizers hope to top 1,000 participants. So lace up your walking shoes and start training. Whether you are a die hard runner or just starting out, you can Make A Difference one step at a time.
Funds from the SouthGroup 5K go towards the Child Life and Play Therapy Program. The Child Life Program at Batson Children’s Hospital is vital to the well-being of a child. Child Life Therapists help children understand what is happening to them and through play therapy; help a child feel in control of what is going on. Fully stocked activity rooms also give patients a break to just be children and play, which plays a large role in the healing process.
SouthGroup is Mississippi’s largest privately owned insurance agency with 20 branch offices across the state. Their employees volunteer their time and efforts to help with every aspect of the race, from stuffing participant bags to registration and directing traffic. If you would like to volunteer or participate, please contact Melanie Schade at 601.984.5273 or mschade@umc.edu
