ST. LUCIE WEST — The numbers speak for themselves: 56 Teams; 60 Sponsors; 340 Runners; more than 1000 participants; nearly $40,000 raised; and one very successful event.

In one of the most well attended Treasure Coast events of the year, CASTLE is pleased to release the final numbers of their seventh annual Stomp Out Child Abuse 5K run/walk. In fact, the numbers have increased more than 100 percent in the last two years in terms of walkers and runners. And participants have made it a personal challenge, trying to collect more pledges individually than ever before. And the number of teams has increased by 50 percent this year over last year.

“We are overwhelmed with the success of this event”, stated Theresa Garbarino May, Executive Director of CASTLE. “This event is a family event that everyone can participate in. The support of the local businesses, individuals, walkers, runners and media has been unbelievable”.

With the threat of budget cuts being felt by local agencies, she was especially excited to see the dollars raised. “This definitely helps us continue to provide our services to the more than 12,000 individuals and 3,500 families we support every year on the Treasure Coast. Every penny is donated to parenting classes and home visits for families who need assistance."

The event, held Saturday, April 30, at PGA in St. Lucie County, was one of the most unique 5Ks in the area as well, with participants walking and running on the beautiful grounds of PGA’s Wannamaker golf course. One of the newest additions to the run this year were electronic timing, provided by Runner’s Depot of Vero Beach.

Chris Robertson, director of development for CASTLE, was especially pleased with the support of the sponsors.

“Although we can always count on the business community to step up to the plate and support our events, they never cease to surprise me with the depth of their generosity,” he stated. “In these tough economic times, it’s nice to see so many people reach so deeply into their corporate pockets. It shows how much they care about the kids in this community. And, I think they really understand that a healthy and safe community is good for business too.”

This year saw a record 60 corporate sponsors, including: QVC, Law Office of Bonnie Brown, Wachovia a Wells Fargo Company, Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of SLC, Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. and Hilton Garden Inn PGA Village. The St. Lucie County Clerk’s office took the award for Top Fundraising Team. “The employees at the Clerk’s office are very passionate in helping raise money to assist the Castle in preventing child abuse. Families in need in our tri-county area need to know that there is help available,” stated Joanne Baker, Human Resource Director for the Clerk’s Office.

Lisa Westcoat, of Underwater Engineering Services was passionate about why their company sponsored the 5K. “Children are our future and we need to continue to help every one of them feel safe, so they can succeed in the future”.

Garbarino May wants all the participants to know they are really appreciated. “We would like to thank all the sponsors, the teams, the individuals who participated, and the 70 volunteers who helped make the event successful. We are also grateful to PGA for bringing us out to the course. It is the first time some of our participants have ever been there and from the comments, they loved it”, she said. “We could not do it without each and every one of them and we hope they will start making plans for next year’s 8th Annual STOMP.” The date of next year’s STOMP will be released shortly.

STOMP is a major fundraiser for CASTLE. All proceeds from this event will benefit CASTLE’s programs for the education and prevention of child abuse. For more information on this and other upcoming events, call Chris Robertson at CASTLE (772) 465-6011, extension 236 or e-mail him at crobertson@castletc.org.

About CASTLE

CASTLE is a Florida non-profit agency offering parenting education via in-home counseling, monitored visitations, and classes for first time parents, parents going through a divorce and children experiencing confusion due to divorce. CASTLE serves the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee counties including Stuart, Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, with a mission to improve the quality of family life and prevent child abuse and neglect while teaching parents to love, nurture and discipline their children safely. CASTLE is a United Way partner organization and is supported by the area Children's Services Councils. CASTLE facilities are located in St. Lucie County (772-465-6011), Martin County (772-781-4510) and Indian River County (772-567-5700). You can also visit them on-line at www.castletc.org.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com