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Richard’s Run For Life 5K

100% of every dollar collected benefits cancer research

After Very Successful ‘Runs,’ Gonzmart Group Pauses Two Charity Events

TAMPA, Fla. (March 22, 2024) – The 1905 Family Of Restaurants announced today that it will shift from in-person public events to more private charitable giving, a move intended to put less stress on staff members who provide logistics and food service during the annual Richard’s Run For Life and Richard’s Father’s Day Walk and Jog.

The pause in both events also means fewer requests by the company for charitable contributions from vendors and local supporters, said 4th Generation Caretaker and events originator Richard Gonzmart.

Charitable giving by the company, by Gonzmart personally and by the Gonzmart Family Foundation will continue to benefit cancer research entities such as Moffitt Cancer Center, the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, as well as educational institutions.

Also continuing is the company’s annual Community Harvest program, where 5 percent of every check each September at all of the company’s restaurants is donated to a charity of each customer’s choosing. During its 26 years, the Harvest has provided more than $4 million to non-profit organizations throughout Florida.

Many other charitable efforts also will continue, including the USF Latino Scholarship Program, USF Athletics and other corporate and private donations that will total millions of dollars during the next 10 years.

Richard’s Run For Life celebrated 22 years in November. Richard’s Father’s Day Walk and Jog marked its 10th anniversary in June 2023. Each drew hundreds of participants to Ybor City and and the Tampa Riverwalk.

Richard’s Run For Life featured food and beverages from the 1905 Family Of Restaurant brands: Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, Goody Goody Burgers, Casa Santo Stefano and Cha Cha Coconuts. However, in this time of shortage of staff, it places pressure on the team.

“It’s been a great run,” Gonzmart said. “When we began these events, I was hopeful. Still, I never dreamed we could raise this kind of money for the charities, while making a difference in the effort to find a cancer cure and new treatments.”

“I think it’s time,” he said. “These events take a tremendous toll on our staff. I also feel badly going back to the same generous sponsors year after year. Asking for donations takes a great deal of effort.”

Richard thanked the thousands of runners and walkers, as well as the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who had supported the events over the years. He paid all the expenses for the events, so 100 percent of the revenue went to charity.

“I reserve the right to re-start one or both of these events in some form when the world becomes a bit nicer,” Richard said. “In fact, you still may find me on Father’s Day this year walking the Tampa Riverwalk near Ulele. My body’s conditioned to do that each year. Care to join me at 8 a.m. for a more informal stroll? We can grab some Cuban toast and café con leche afterward.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeff Houck

Vice President of Marketing

813.846.5918


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About University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the Gonzmart Family Oncology Research Fund

All monies raised will fund a vaccine to further advance research in immunotherapy to improve therapeutic outcomes for osteosarcoma in dogs and translating to clinical trials for children. If you would like to donate directly to Richard's Run for Life, please visit www.richardsrunforlife.org

If you would like to donate directly to the Gonzmart Family Oncology Research Fund, please visit Gonzmart Family Oncology Research Fund - University of Florida Advancement (ufl.edu)



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    1. $40.00

      Early Registration

      Jul 18 – Oct 28
    2. $50.00

      Late Registration

      Oct 29 – Nov 3

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Official Event Playlist for Richard's Run for Life

We don't know about you, but we prefer to run while listening to music that helps us keep pace. Below is a sample playlist that hits at about 40 minutes for your 5K. This particular one features some of our favorite, fast-moving, '70's music along with some more modern selections. Certainly, feel free to create your own!

Playlist

Contact information

Event contact
Arlynn Haarer, Gonzmart Family Foundation
Email
graceg@crg1905.com
Phone
813.248.3000, ext. 24
Website
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