BiG Cardio will be back on Saturday, May 7, and it’s going to be bigger than ever! Added to the activities of previous events, the 9th Annual BiG Cardio will have a 100K road cycle, youth soccer clinics, and a CEO Challenge that participants won’t want to miss. And to allow for a greater focus on growing the event to benefit even more children, BiG Cardio will now be produced by BiG Children’s Foundation (BCF), a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization headed up by long-time 4KIDS staff member and advocate, Joyce Feldman.
“BCF and 4KIDS are excited about the transition, sharing the belief that a full-time focus on event growth will lead to more opportunity to raise awareness and revenue for children and youth in crisis or at risk,” Feldman said.
That’s still the heartbeat behind BiG Cardio: to raise awareness and revenue to change the futures of a growing number of children and young people in crisis and at-risk in our own community.
“Children really are our future and I’m committed to working to change the lives of those in need of support,” said BCF Board Member, John Marley. “We will either have to pay later if they choose a life of crime to survive, or we can choose to pay now — with our love, our time, our resources — and invest in them and show them the way forward. I prefer to pay now!”
Lonny Anger, president, IHeartMedia Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, is a corporate challenge team leader for BiG Cardio. He said, “What BiG Cardio and BiG Children’s Foundation is doing for today’s youth is both inspirational and motivating. The volunteers and staff are selfless, devoted, giving people, and I couldn’t be more proud and humbled to be a part of their efforts of making an impact in the lives of at-risk children and youth.”
BiGgest Bang for the Buck
Take a look at a race calendar, and you’ll find an average of 5 – 8 events on any given weekend in South Florida, but BiG Cardio is unlike any of them. Because it ties together multiple activities and extends well into the afternoon for those playing in the sports tournaments (as well as anyone who wants to hang out and enjoy a day at the park), BiG Cardio is the biggest bang for your 30-buck registration fee.
“With 10 fitness activities and dozens of other attractions, BiG Cardio is a unique blend of a 5K, fitness, sports, cycling and fun, designed so there’s a fitness or fun activity for everyone at any age,” Feldman said. “This concept has been the vision since BiG Cardio’s inception in 2008, with the intention of being innovative and continually adding new segments to attract more people. It has been a blessing for me to parlay my burden to seek justice for the unjust treatment of children and youth — with my love for fitness, health and wellness—into a community fitness event that advocates for at-risk youth and generates revenue to support and create opportunity for them. It’s a big vision, but that’s fitting because BiG stands for Believe in God, which is where my drive ultimately comes from.”
BiG Pluses
Metric Century Road Ride
This 100K cycle, led by Cool Beans cyclist, Mike Dwyer, is a no-drop ride social ride with a rest stop at half way, police escort and SAG support.
“We’ll keep the pace around 18 – 20mph, but there’ll be cyclists who’ll drop back to help anyone who’s struggling, so it’s a great opportunity for those who are used to long-distance rides as well as those who haven’t tried one before,” Dwyer said. It’s still recommended you train for that distance, so sign up soon and get cycling.
Soccer Clinics
BiG Cardio soccer tournaments will be run by Kaptiva Sports, and for the first time, youth soccer clinics will be provided by FCBESCOLA Soccer School, arguably the most successful soccer training methodology. Every participant gets a free soccer shirt.
“Kaptiva Sports is honored to be a part of such important organization and event that benefits our state’s foster children program,” said Marcel Bombonato, Kaptiva Sports Director.
Come Out. Work Out. Help Out.
As BiG Cardio organizers set their sights on the BiG 10th anniversary in 2017, this year’s goal is to attract 2,500 participants and raise $250,000, and there are plenty of ways to get involved regardless of whether you’re a fitness fanatic or the sports sort.
Got a business? Consider joining the community-minded corporations, local businesses and ministries that contribute significantly to the success of BiG Cardio each year. Helpful heavy-hitters like Ryder, Publix, Chick-fil-A, P. J. Rossi Jewelers, and Zebedee Productions, among others, have made this event possible and enjoyable for years!
“It’s very important for corporations to be involved in the community. Ryder has been around for a very long time and we have a strong history of being involved in the South Florida community. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded our partnership with BiG Cardio and will continue to support them in their role of helping at-risk youth,” said Hunter Tilly, managing director of finance, Ryder Supply Chain Services.
Ready to Get Your Heart Rate Up?
Sign Up: Register as an individual, create a team, or join a team.
Sponsor: Donate to an individual or team, make a general gift to BCF or sponsor BiG Cardio.
Support: Our volunteers are the backbone of this event and service hours are available for high schoolers.
Start Fundraising: There are two options for fundraising: you can raise funds as a participant, or fundraise without participating.
It’s all at BiGCardio.org.
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