Will begin at the Urban Prime Marketplace and Restaurant in Viera at 10 A.M.
Do It For Hunter 5K – Step Out, Step Up, Step Together
What’s the plan?
- Saturday, Feb 22, at 10 a.m.
- Urban Prime Marketplace & Restaurant, 2435 Metfield Drive, Melbourne, Florida
- The 5‑K run/walk is all about turning miles into meaning. Every stride helps the nonprofit Do It For Hunter, fighting the fight against suicide.
- Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just want to jog by the coffee shop, come join us.
Ready to lace up? CLICK HERE to sign up and make the difference. Let’s make every step count—and maybe share a laugh or two while we’re at it!
Run, Walk, and Talk: The 5K That Tackles a Serious Topic
On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m., the Urban Prime Marketplace & Restaurant in Viera Town Center (2435 Metfield Drive) will host the Do It For Hunter 5K—a race that’s short on miles but not on heart.
What’s the Goal?
The event isn’t just about sweat; it’s about spreading the word that mental health matters. All of the proceeds go straight to Do It For Hunter, the nonprofit that’s on a mission to keep the conversation about suicide alive and everyone in their corner for help.
Why the 5K?
- Student Ty Pope (Edgewood Jr/Sr High School) made it part of his senior project.
- “Running has always been a passion of mine,” Ty explains. “I’ve used it to jam out stress and anxiety, and I thought: why not combine that with a good cause?”
- He was instantly sold on Do It For Hunter because the organization “creates conversations and provides essential resources” to stop teens from feeling alone.
- “The race will be woven with positivity, sweat, and #CommunitySupport,” he says, hoping to hit every mind, body, and soul in the neighborhood.
How to Join the Movement
Grab your sneakers, lace up, and let’s run together. You’ll get a chance to:
- Feel the wind in your hair – it’s a great way to get a cardio burst while not forgetting the seriousness of the topic.
- Meet people who actually care about mental health.
- Walk or run to the minimum 5K distance – no need to be an Olympic sprinter, just repeat “I’m running, I’m talking, I’m helping.”
- Quiz yourself on mental health facts – we’ve got cheeky trivia to keep you engaged.
All the funds raised will go to help families and teens learn how to talk about the tough stuff before it gets too heavy.
Take Action – Lend Your Shoes
It’s laughter, community, and a sprinkle of determination all in one 5K. Sign up, show up, and let’s make sure no one has to pick the “Run” option alone.
Ty Pope Takes on a 5‑K to Shine a Light on Suicide Awareness
Why a 5‑K? Because his heart’s bigger than his sneakers.
Ty Pope, the senior at Edgewood Jr/Sr High School, steered the “Do It For Hunter” 5‑kilometre fun‑run as his capstone project. He shared, “Mental health awareness is something near and dear to my heart. When I discovered the ‘Do It For Hunter’ org, I instantly knew my senior project would be a 5‑K.” His enthusiasm was the spark that lit this entire event.
Kelly Haskins: A Mom on the Edge of Joy.
Kelly Haskins, Hunter’s mom, rates the event “the perfect recipe of hope, sweat, and fresh air.” She said, “We’re thrilled to be the beneficiary of Ty’s 5‑K fun run. He’s poured so much time and energy into this for us, and we can’t wait to see everyone there. It’s a brilliant way to spread the ‘You Matter’ message, plus exercise and fresh air are top‑notch mental‑health boosters. We hope a lot of people will register and join us.”
Key Details & How to Join
- Packet pickup: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
- Run/Walk start: 10 a.m.
- Register now: CLICK HERE to jump on Ty’s 5‑K.
- Learn more: CLICK HERE about Hunter and the nonprofit Do It For Hunter.
So lace up, grab a packet, and run for a cause that’s more about hope than the finish line itself. Every step counts, especially when you’re running for someone’s future.
Get Ready to Run for a Cause!
Mark your calendars, folks – on Saturday, February 22, at 10 a.m. the Urban Prime Marketplace & Restaurant (2435 Metfield Drive, Melbourne, FL) is turning into a 5‑K running hub.
What’s the Big Deal?
- Run, walk, or jog your way to make a difference.
- All proceeds go straight to Do It For Hunter, a nonprofit championing suicide awareness and prevention.
- Your sweat could be a lifeline for someone who needs help.
Why You Should Sprint (or stroll) There
- Feel good about your cardio and support a purpose that matters.
- Join the community of athletes, volunteers, and supporters.
- Enjoy a relaxed environment – no hard training, just a friendly ride with friends.
How to Join
It’s easy: sign up, bring your energy, and run off‑site for a cause that matters. The event’s support creates space for conversations about mental health, easing the sting of loss.
Reminder & Final Thought
It’s 10 a.m. on February 22, so lace up and get ready. Every stride helps. Let’s run, walk, or simply stroll towards a brighter, more supportive future together!
Meet Steve Wilson: Brevard’s Own “Space Coast Super‑Hero”
Since moving to Brevard County back in 1984, Steve Wilson has become a beloved figure in the Space Coast community. Partnered with fellow media whiz Orville Susong for a full 25 years, Steve co‑runs Friday Night Locker Room, a local broadcasting team that’s essentially a sports‑News‑Planet‑Brew‑Coffee‑Combo. They tackle everything from kid‑athlete rough‑housing to heroic first‑responder chronicling, bringing laugh‑out‑in‑the‑audience vibes to the radio waves.
What’s the Mission? A Friendly Play‑by‑Play of Good Deeds
- Promote yesteryear’s best—now we’re talking youth sports!
- Give a cheer for first responders and law‑enforcement squads
- Spotlight community events and charity gigs (thanks to the non‑profit partners in Central Florida)
So, How Did Steve End up Here?
He was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in the bustling neighborhoods of NOLA and Macon, Georgia. After a stint in the City of Rockledge as Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager, he graced the public service world before retiring in 2018.
Accolades & Awards – The Hall of Fame “Brevard‑Style”
Steve’s trophy cabinet is something straight out of a comic book:
- 15+ years volunteering for Rockledge Little League
- Brevard Public School Jefferson Award
- Raider Booster Award (2001, 2006)
- City of Rockledge Employee of the Year (2006)
- Kiwanian of the Year (2006‑2007) & Citizen of the Year (2012‑2013)
- Quality Public Service Award (2008, 2012, 2017)
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting (2015) and Lifetime Achievement (2020)
- Space Coast Inspiration Award (2018)
- Central Florida Humanitarian Award (2017)
- Ecofest Achievement Award (2022) & Quality Floridian Award (2022) presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey
Heart‑warming Philanthropy: Two Fundraisers for Pediatric Cancer
A big thumbs‑up to Steve’s role in two successful St. Baldrick’s Foundation events honoring Merritt Island’s Julie Spurlock, raising OVER $25,000 for pediatric cancer research. That’s no small feat—kiddo’s life saved, and the community racked up a major upgrade of their charitable spirit.
Friday Night Locker Room: More Than Just a Scoop
They’ve handed out hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard’s future MVPs and allocated $18,000 in scholarships to high school seniors bursting down the hallways of possibility.
Bottom line: Whether you’re a budding athlete, a first‑responder, or a local unsung hero, Steve’s got a slot on his stage. Brevard County just got a little brighter (and louder) thanks to him.