Stroller Derby gets rolling to help kids in need

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, organizers have rescheduled this event for Spring 2015. Visit cbcbcfl.org for updates.

Every year there are more than 3,000 abused, neglected or abandoned children actively receiving services through Community Based Care of Central Florida.

They come from all walks of life and enjoy the same things all kids do, running outside, playing with friends and most of all experiencing the security of a stable loving environment. Community Based Care (CBC) works to help kids find that security through foster care, adoption or reunion.

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and on Saturday, Nov. 1, CBC is reaching out to that village by hosting its inaugural Stroller Derby 5K at Harbor Park in Baldwin Park both as a fundraiser and a way to build connections with the community to raise awareness of their mission.

“This 5K is definitely not the competitive sort,” said Debbie Leon, development director of CBC of Central Florida.

“This event is about having fun as a family, while getting to know more about our organization and what we do,” she said.

The $25 advance registration fee covers the whole family and includes the 5K stroll around Lake Baldwin, followed by carnival-themed fun including a balloon-bending clown, games, prizes, snacks by Whole Foods and Planet Smoothie and an appearance by the Chick-fil-A Cow.

WFTV’s Nancy Alvarez will host the event, along with her kids Benjamin and Julia, and recording artist Prita Chhabra will perform. There will also be contests for the cutest baby outfit and the best decorated stroller.

“Any stroller can enter, even a pet stroller,” Leon said.

All the money raised at the event will directly benefit the kids CBC serves in Central Florida.

“This is our first year, so we’re not expecting a huge turn-out, our main goal is to help make the community aware of what we do and how they can help,” Leon said.

Several foster and adoptive families will be joining the event and there will be recruiters on hand from CBC to chat with families interested in getting involved in some way.

“There are lots of opportunities for families to help with our needs,” Leon said. “Of course, we are always in need of foster and adoptive parents, but there are other short-term needs as well. We need families willing to serve as respite care or as urgent care, we even need people to drive children to appointments, the opportunities to help are very diverse and flexible depending on how much time and energy they are looking to commit.”

Whether you’re interested in a lovely fall stroll around the lake for a good cause or looking to make a deeper commitment, Leon said CBC of Central Florida welcomes all families to join them in the fun and learn more about the vital part they play in the lives of in-need children.