Strummin' & Drummin' - Banding Together for Foster Children 5K - Auburndale, Florida - Running

The Strummin' & Drummin' - Banding Together for Foster Children 5K is a Running race in Auburndale, Florida consisting of a 5K.

Join us for a scenic 3-mile music-filled run/walk around beautiful Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Florida as we "band together" to support the needs of children entering the local foster care system. A variety of musical genres will greet you as you make your way around manicured soccer and baseball fields overlooking tranquil Lake Myrtle.

The mission of Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy's (PPCA) Strummin' & Drummin' - Banding Together for Foster Children 5K Run/Walk is twofold. Proceeds from the 5K will provide foster children, served through Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties' Heartland for Children non-profit organization, with essential personal items to support their transition into foster care. Often these children's personal belongings are placed in a garbage bag as they are transitioned into the foster care system. It is our desire to bring dignity to these children and to give them the feeling that people care about their emotional and physical well-being in their time of need.

Currently, Heartland for Children serves over 2,000 children of all ages, from newborn to teenagers, that are in the foster care system. In March 2003, Heartland for Children was selected as the lead agency for Community Based Care in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. As the lead agency, Heartland for Children assumed the responsibilities for System Administration of a comprehensive child service provider network that included protective services, foster care, adoptions, independent living, prevention, family preservation, family support services and other related services. It is the mission of Heartland for Children to provide quality foster families to serve as temporary homes for children in need.

Proceeds from the Strummin' & Drummin' 5K will also sponsor the PPCA Culinary Cares Project (CCP) which provides meals for families touched by life changing events. The Culinary Cares Project was created in August of 2017 and the high school culinary team, under the direction of Stacie Helms, has already brought comfort and joy to a number of families. PPCA's motto, "Be the One" is being exemplified by the culinary students each time they perform their Culinary Cares Outreach Project. Funds will be used to continue the purchase of menu items and kitchen equipment needed for the meal preparation.