For Armed Forces Families Foundation
Runners and walkers of all levels will have the opportunity to cross over the span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg during the second annual Skyway 10K on Sunday, March 3. All proceeds benefiting the Armed Forces Families Foundation, which provides aid through infrastructure projects to support our military and their families in our communities. The Skyway 10K will be a salute to the military families and a premiere bridge run for years to come. Runners will have an opportunity to take in the beauty of Tampa Bay, support our military and their families, and be a part of something historic!
The iconic bridge, covering three Florida counties, serves as the breathtaking setting and 6.2-mile course for a once-in-a-lifetime race. Runners must pick up their packets at the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Race Expo on Saturday, March 2, at Lot 7 of Tropicana Field. 1 Tropicana Blvd., St, Pete. Regular registration is closed for this year’s event; however, a limited number of VIP registrations are still available. Details are available on the event’s website at www.skyway10k.com.
THE 2018 INAUGURAL SUNSHINE SKYWAY 10K BRIDGE RUN RAISED $560,000 FOR THE ARMED FORCES FAMILIES FOUNDATION.
We all know that the first line of support for our troops is their families. Oftentimes those family members don’t have the support they need to endure the difficulties surrounding months or years of deployment. The Armed Forces Families Foundation was established to help give these families a sense of community support and well-being while their loved ones are away fighting for our freedom.
More About the Cause:
100 PERCENT OF ALL DONATIONS RECEIVED ARE USED TO FUND PROJECTS TO SUPPORT OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
The Armed Forces Families Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that utilizes 100 percent of funds to give back to local communities to support military families. The AFFF is comprised of a 100 percent volunteer-based organization, which enables the Foundation to operate without any overhead costs. With over $2.5 million raised, the AFFF strives to continue to make a difference in our military communities.
The commitment of the AFFF has led to the completion of over 50 infrastructure projects that will benefit the families of our service men and women for years to come. Our focus is primarily on areas of significant need which often fall outside the tight budget constraints of the military and its family support organizations. All funds remain local so donors can see their dollars at work. Please visit armedforcesfamilies.org for more information or to make a donation.
About the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge:
The Sunshine Skyway was the longest segmental cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere when it opened in 1987. It was the first of its kind in the United States – a cable-stayed bridge with single pylons and single planes of stays. Since then, its groundbreaking design and majestic beauty have been recognized with 18 awards, including the 1988 Presidential Award for Design Excellence through the National Endowment for the Arts.
Soaring pylons and brilliant yellow cables support the main span, designed by FIGG Bridge Group. The Skyway is not only beautiful, it’s strong! The 1,200-foot-long main span is made of precast concrete segments, each 95 foot wide and weighing up to 220 tons, both record-breaking sizes at the time of construction. Its design also protects against ship collisions and hurricane force winds.
The Skyway is the proud gateway to MacDill Air Force Base and to Hillsborough County, home to the most veterans and active military in Florida. We salute you!
To see more great bridges, visit FIGG Bridge Group. Excerpted from Bridges: A History of the World’s Most Spectacular Spans by Judith Dupre.
For other great stories in our community check out A Story of Hope and Healing,or the Homeless Empowerment Program.