18 Jun Honey Bug 5K empowers young girls to run
Jaylyn Hawes has been a proud “Honey Bug” of the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for four years. On Saturday, the 14-year-old will be one of more than 150 young girls expected to participate in the first Honey Bug Run/Walk in honor of Women’s History Month.
The 5K run, hosted by Honey Shine Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls through mentoring, will take place from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday at Women’s Park, 10251 W Flagler St.
“The Honey Shine Mentoring Program has taught me that no matter how you grow up or what life throws at you, I am capable of overcoming many different obstacles,” said Jaylyn, a fifth-grader at Prestige Christian Academy in West Little River. “I’ve never run in a 5K before but I’m excited to to support Honey Shine and their mission in this way.”
Since 2002, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program has offered young girls — affectionately called “Honey Bugs” — life-skills lessons and educational experiences related to career mapping, health, nutrition, sex and drug education through bi-monthly workshops, field trips and six-week day camps.
Philanthropist and program founder Tracy Wilson Mourning said the 5K is just one more activity the organization is sponsoring to help develop young girls into well-rounded women.
“Honey Shine’s mission of empowering girls is at the core of everything we do, and with March being Women’s History Month, we couldn’t think of a better time to have our first 5K,” Mourning said. “The location of the event comes as no coincidence. The Women’s Park places an emphasis on the strength and influence of women and has always welcomed our girls with open arms. “
Registration for the general public is $35 and for Honey Shine members, $25. To register and to find more information on the event, visit www.honeyshine.org.