WHAT: New for 2013, Place of Hope is adding a timed 5K to its annual Hope Walk, which began as a fitness- and family-oriented fundraising event in 2008. With the addition of the 5K, Place of Hope hopes to welcome running and exercise enthusiasts, who train at shorter distance events for upcoming 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons.

As always, the Fifth Annual Hope Walk & 5K invites everyone to a day filled with fun activities, starting with a pre-walk warm-up, a two-mile journey through the life of a child in foster care, followed by family-fun activities, such as a dodge ball tournament, cardio class, car show by Rick’s Rods, specialty units on display by Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office, pancakes from IHOP and more.

Held at Carlin Park, the Fifth Annual Hope Walk & 5K raises funds that will allow POH to continue providing children with items such as food, clothing, summer camps, educational supplies, sports, special children’s activities, family outings and family vacations.  In 2012, the Fourth Annual Hope Walk was supported by 553 walkers, 86 volunteers, 510 donors and 71 sponsors.

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, November 2, 2013, at 8 a.m. at Carlin Park, 400 Florida A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Register online at www.placeofhope.com and click on the Hope Walk!  Registration ends Friday, November 1, 2013 at 9 p.m. Please call 561-775-7195 for additional information.

Sponsors of the Fifth Annual Hope Walk include Christ Fellowship, Insurance Office of America, The International Society of Palm Beach, Artege Web Designs, Banyan Printing, Florida Weekly, IHOP, Michelle Koscielniak CPA LLC, Oceana Coffee, PBSO, Perez DuBois, Professional Images, Rick’s Rods, 88.1 Way FM, Beyond Organic, BMO Private Bank, Island Beach Service Company, The Armstrong Group at The Keyes Company, World Class Entertainment LLC, Stephanie Munroe, 1st United Bank, Carl Fitzgerald, Clear Lake Animal Hospital, Di Lemme Development Group, Inc., Chik fil A, Gold Coast Physical Therapy, Jupiter Christian School, Keep Flippin’, Hilton Singer Island, Marriott Singer Island, Publix.

WHO: Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-licensed child welfare organization that provides family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for domestic minor sexually trafficked victims; transitional housing and support services; adoption and foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect.

Place of Hope is also strategically and specifically equipped to take in sibling groups, which is critical because half of the foster child population nationwide is comprised mostly of sibling groups. Unfortunately, they are often separated when taken into foster care. Currently, 52 percent of the children residing at Place of Hope have been reunited with their sibling(s).  In 2012, Place of Hope had the opportunity to serve more 773 children, young adults and their parents. To learn more about Place of Hope, visit www.placeofhope.com.