125 participate in Cape Coral 5K to support drug-free coalition

The News-Press

8:58 A.M. — Despite the high heat and humidity, about 125 runners and walkers gathered at Cape Harbour on Saturday morning to show their support for the Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida.

The coalition hosted its inaugural Red Ribbon Fun 5K Run and Walk to raise money for programs and events. Registration for each participant was $20 if paid in advance or $25 on the race day.

"The money is used to educate families on how to keep kids drug free,” said Deb Comella, executive director for the coalition. “Families are key to prevention. We try to provide families with as much education as possible.”

Comella noted that the reason for starting the event, which the coalition hopes to host twice a year, is because the group will no longer be receiving funding from the Drug Free Community Grant after Sept. 30.

The grant is where the coalition gets the majority of its funding, so members of the group are brainstorming new ways of raising funds. Among other efforts to make up for the shortfall, members will be hosting a pancake breakfast in August and they’ll be sending out letters to all of the coalition’s supporters asking for donations.

Without extra funding, the coalition wouldn’t be able to host events like town hall meetings and Drug House Odyssey, which was visited by 2,100 children, teachers and parents this year.

So far, the group is off to a good start. Comella said she was happy with the turnout of the coalition’s first race.

“It’s wonderful to see the support people have for keeping our kids drug free,” she said.

Jessie Vetts, 19, of Cape Coral came in first place during the race at about 17 minutes and 20 seconds.

He said he liked that the price of the race was reasonable, especially considering the tough times people are having with the bad economy. He also supports the coalition.

“I truly am drug free,” he said. “I’m against using drugs.”
Alma Jones, 46, of Fort Myers, came out to the event with her daughter and friends. The group has a running club they get together with on the weekends, but like Vetts, they wanted to show their support, as well.

“I think it’s awesome what they do,” she said. “They get out there and get the word out to keep our kids drug free. It’s awesome.”