Tour De Broward Raises Half Million For Hospital
February 26, 2017
More than 7,500 people attended this year's 8th Annual ANF Group Tour de Broward, which raised $503,218 to help expand facilities and enhance programs and services for kids and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood.
The February 26 event at Miramar Regional Park featured 50K and 100K bicycle rides, a 5K timed run, 3K walk, and the “Power of Play Kid Zone,” a sports-themed, fun area for children 13 years old or younger.
Since its inception 8 years ago, Tour de Broward has raised more than $3 million for pediatric healthcare in South Florida.
Among those attending were current and former patients/families, more than 150 fundraising teams, and participants dressed in festive outfits and displaying inspirational messages.
“We are grateful for all the support we received from the South Florida community and the participation of our patients at the Tour de Broward, which made this year’s event a total success,” said Aurelio M. Fernandez, III, FACHE, Memorial Healthcare System President & CEO.
Among the hundreds who joined the event was Little Amelia, who was accompanied by her family and friends who together made up Team Amelia. When Amelia was only 14 months old, doctors at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital provided lifesaving care with an innovative heart procedure that had never been performed in the nation on a child this young.
Amelia sported a pink shirt that read "God, Daddy, Sunrise Fire Department and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Saved My Life."
Team London was also at the event. London became the pediatric hospital's 12th heart transplant recipient shortly before her first birthday.
"We're here to celebrate and give thanks that because of Joe D, our London is still alive!" exclaimed her mother, Jeanell Channer.
The 8th Annual ANF Group Tour de Broward was a success, raising more than $500K for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. (L to R backrow) Joe D, Chantal Leconte, CEO, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Frank Ledee, Commissioner; Hobel Florido, Commissioner; Jose Basulto, Commissioner; Vic Narang, Commissioner; Douglas A. Harrison, Vice Chairman; Jackie Fernandez and Al Fernandez, ANF Group; Lotsy Dotsy, hospital resident clown.
Even adults enjoyed the Power of Play Kids Zone
Ready, set, go! 100K Group A is getting ready to pedal up!
Many groups walked together for this great cause
Hundreds of runners gathered at the starting line