Giving back to the community, Immokalee, Fla.-based Lipman Family Farms hosted the eighth annual 5K Run for Backpacks as a hybrid event in early April.
The company’s annual 5K to raises money for its Backpack Giveaway and Back-to-School event in August, according to a news release. During that event, backpacks filled with school supplies are given to children in the Immokalee area.
This year’s 5K race saw its largest turnout ever, with eight Lipman locations participating nationwide, and raised record donation from sponsors and generous contributions made by the community.
“Lipman does a great job of bringing the community together and inspiring us to give back when we can,” Hugo Gijon, Lipman 5K committee member and former Immokalee High School cross-country track and field coach, said in the release. “I’ve run this 5k for the past five years, and each year we raise more money and more people come out to help us, so I’m excited for the years to come to see how much more we can accomplish.”
At the event, Lipman also celebrated the Immokalee community by highlighting star teachers through the ‘Golden Tomato’ ceremony, according to the release. The ‘Golden Tomato’ award recognized three teachers, Rob Boyle, Amanda Bray and Dyan E. Konicek for their leadership and dedication to education, the release said.
“At Lipman, we are committed to doing our part when giving back to our communities,” Jaime Weisinger, director of relations and planning at Lipman Family Farms. “While we see major success with the 5K event each year, we know that teachers are the true drivers for bettering our children’s education and we want to invest in them whenever we can, since an investment in any child’s future is an investment well spent.”
Donations for Lipman’s Backpack Giveaway are still being accepted. To donate, visit the Lipman’s 5K Run/ Walk For Backpacks donation page.
