Thousands of Northeast Floridians recently took to the streets, trails and walkways in support of a cure during the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walks, which took place throughout April and May in Northeast Florida. The foundation raised more than $222,000 with donations continuing to come in from the seven spring walks and two fall walks yet to come. Great Strides is the foundation’s largest national fundraiser, producing more than $33 million in 2009 to support vital cystic fibrosis research and programs.

At each Great Strides site, participants celebrated their accomplishments with food and refreshments provided by local sponsors, including Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dominos Pizza and others. A spring wrap up luncheon took place this week where top fundraising teams and individuals for 2010 were recognized and plans were for the 2011 Great Strides events.

Two additional Great Strides walks will take place this year, including the Bradford County at Shands-Starke walk at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 and the Flagler County Great Strides walk at 8 a.m. on Sept. 24. To support Great Strides with sponsorship or to register for one of the upcoming walks, contact the North Florida Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at (904) 733-3560 or visit www.cff.org.

Congratulations to all those who helped raise $222,000 for such a great cause!