OKEECHOBEE — Open Hands Health Center is gearing up for their annual 5K, and this year, they have added a 10K into the mix.
Race coordinator Kimberley Hoglo said she really wanted to do a half marathon but was not able to pull it off this year. Okeechobee has never had a marathon, and there are a lot of hoops to jump through before that can happen. Meanwhile, she will concentrate on the 5 and 10Ks this year and possibly a half marathon in the future.
“Unfortunately the cost was far greater than we felt was wise to do. We know without any doubt that God is in control and so we it's with joy we are able to bring back our annual 5K AND add a 10K this year. May it be for His glory as He provides for us to continue to serve the community through this event. We currently are offering free women's wellness exams including breast exam and free mammograms for women who qualify. Consider showing your support by running or sponsoring this event. Click on the link to register for the race Open Hands race or contact us via messenger or 863-357-1257 to find out how you can be a sponsor,” said Physician’s Assistant Stacy Pasquarella.
The annual race is Open Hands’ biggest fundraiser each year, helping them to provide care to the under-served in Okeechobee. This year, the race will take place on November 11 at Oakview Church located at 677 S.W. 32nd Street.
Open Hands Health Center opened in March 2015 and is supported by donations from local churches, organizations and individuals. All donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off or mailed to the center. Please call 863-357-1257 and leave a message. Open Hands Health Center can also be found on Facebook. The center is located at 309 N.W. Fifth St., one block behind the Okeechobee County Courthouse. The proceeds from the 10K and 5K will help support the health center.
All services provided by Open Hands Health Center are completely free. To qualify for medical care at the clinic, the patients must not have health insurance, and their income must fall within 200 percent of the poverty level.
Open Hands Health Center is currently offering free women’s wellness exams for those who financially qualify. For women 50 and over, with family history of breast cancer, or with an abnormal breast exam, we are able to arrange free mammograms and follow up care. Lord willing, we hope to launch free biblical whole health coaching to the entire community this fall. We are currently in the planning stages and are seeing a small number of women currently focusing on nutritional health, weight loss, depression and anxiety; all from a biblical perspective. We continue to bring the Florida Baptist Convention free dental van to Okeechobee each spring to serve our community. We will seek to meet the physical needs of those who walk through our door as our resources allow us; while always pointing them to their greatest need; Jesus,” said Pasquarella.
Come run the beautiful City of Okeechobee! Enjoy a mostly shady course through neighborhoods and down town Okeechobee. After the race don't forget to visit our lake and maybe see an alligator or two!
