It’s time to grab your furry friend and go for a walk.
Changing Lives, a nonprofit committed to enriching the lives of people in need in the area, is partnering with Semper Fi Service Dogs to host the inaugural Yuletide Trot 5K on Dec. 16 in downtown Boca Raton.
The 5K fundraising event will enable residents and their dogs to walk, run and race for a cause together.
The Yuletide Trot 5K aims to raise awareness and funds to support two vital missions in the region. Changing Lives works to maximize the self-sufficiency of their clients by providing a “continuum of care.”
Changing Lives is dedicated to improving the lives of women, men and families struggling with homelessness in Boca Raton and neighboring cities. In addition to the spiritual and practical guidance to their members, Changing Lives aids with scholarships for sober living facilities and detox, housing stipends, costs for mental and physical care, personal documentation, and endowments for business start-ups for their clients.
“In creating the Yuletide Trot 5K this year we’ve put together a wonderful team of volunteers and community sponsors, including our partner Semper Fi Service Dogs to help raise awareness and support to transition the homeless from one of hopelessness to hopefulness and, most importantly, independent and self-sustaining living,” said Changing Life board member Jason Lazar.
“Our Semper Fi Service Dogs partner focuses on helping veterans and they’ve developed an unparalleled Pack Training System that’s designed to end the suffering of every veteran with PTSD, MST (Military Sexual Trauma) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury),” Lazar said.
Semper Fi Service Dogs vows to leave no vet behind. Founded by veterans, the nonprofit rescues dogs, commits to their care and rehabilitation, and trains them as psychiatric service dogs for veterans and others.
“As a grassroots nonprofit, Semper Fi Service Dogs is thrilled to partner with Changing Lives, who have been monumental in support of our growth and success,” said Ryan Onda, executive director of Semper Fi Service Dogs, said in a statement. “We hope the Yuletide Trot 5K will spread awareness and entice support from the community.”
Onda said his organization gives veterans the opportunity to return to their communities with a new “leash” on life as productive residents who make a positive difference.
He said an average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day. A specially trained PTSD dog can provide a sense of security, help manage anxiety or panic attacks and assist with specialized task work.
“This event is to raise funding for both nonprofits to carry on their missions, which directly and indirectly enhances the lives of every citizen in Palm Beach County,” Onda said.
Participants of all ages can register to run or walk alongside their pets or service animals, or with friends and family members. The course runs along a scenic route through the heart of downtown Boca Raton on Dec. 16.
There will be activities for adults and kids, along with treats for dogs. Festive attire is encouraged as there will be prizes for the best dressed.
The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. The 5K race with dogs starts at 8:05 a.m. At 8:10 a.m. the one-mile walk begins and is followed by a kids’ dash at 9 a.m. The event starts at First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd.
The entry fees are $10 for the Kids Dash; $20 for the mile walk; $35 for the 5K Run or Walk and $40 for the 5k Run or Walk with your dog. There is also a group discount of $5 per person.
Register at changinglives.me/yuletide-trot.
