2 events in Gainesville, Florida

The Greater North Central Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K Run & Walk, which will take place at Depot Park in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, February 28th from 9 am -12 pm. Check-in begins at 8 am. We anticipate over 100 participants as we encourage health and wellness while also supporting organizations that help our community thrive.

The Pink and Blue 5K Run & Walk was established in 2025. Last year, we raised approximately $6000, donating a portion of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida. This year, we look forward to increasing our impact by targeting youth literacy development through the non-profit organization, Kut Different—a youth mentorship program. Kut Different provides mentorship to adolescent boys by giving them access to the tools they need to define and achieve their own versions of success. By providing structure, encouragement, and support, Kut Different ensures that every young man they serve has a path to thrive.

There are 3 ways to participate in this event:

1. PINK & BLUE RUN/WALK: Join us in person at Depot Park for the 5K Run & Walk

2. VIRTUAL RUN/WALK: Virtual attendees can register online and complete their walk or run any time leading up to the February 28th event.

3. FUN RUN: Children ages 10 and under can join our Fun Run! Children who participate in the Fun Run do not pay a registration fee to participate, but are required to secure sponsors for each .25K they run or walk. Sponsorships should be documented on this Sponsor Form. Participants' distance will be certified, and they should communicate their distance to sponsors on February 28th. All sponsorship contributions should be submitted by March 6th via the GiveEffect website. Alternatively, payments can be made to the child's parent, who will make out a check to the foundation.

Donations requiring tax deductions should be made via the GiveEffect online platform or a check written to Jack and Jill of America Foundation and mailed to GNCFC Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; P.O. Box 771771; Ocala, FL 34477.

Participants who register for the in-person 5K Run & Walk by Feb. 14th will receive a free t-shirt

Hearoes for Hearing is a student-led non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness and funds for patients in the UF Health Cochlear Implant Program. Hearoes is the philanthropy of the University of Florida's National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), engaging students and the greater Gainesville community to support hearing health initiatives.

A cochlear implant is a device that provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory (hearing) nerve in the inner ear. Children and adults with a severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids may be better candidates for cochlear implants. Costs of evaluations, hospital bills, implantation, the device, and programming can run up to $100,000, highlighting the importance of organizations like Hearoes for Hearing to support families with such expenses.

This spring, we are organizing a virtual fundraiser to assist with these costs. To donate, sign up for the "Standard Donation" event. The standard donation amount is $10; however, you can also contribute a custom amount by selecting the donation button at the top right of the page. Your donation directly benefits patients and families at the UF Health Hearing Clinic—thank you for supporting Hearoes for Hearing!

To learn more about Hearoes, visit our website, Instagram (@hearoesforhearing), or email us at [email protected]

If you are a NSSLHA student, please upload proof of donation (ex. screenshot) to the point submission form