Run For A Cause At The Kettle Krush 5K on Saturday, July 22, at Markham Park

The Salvation Army of Broward County on Saturday, July 22, as we come together to combat poverty and homelessness in South Florida. The sixth annual Kettle Krush 5K, held at Markham Park in Sunrise, promises to be a holiday-themed event that welcomes participants of all ages and encourages teams to take part. We are delighted to announce that WPLG Local 10's Roy Ramos will be returning as our special guest host. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families in need by registering now.

Over the past five years, our event has seen over 500 participants raise awareness and funds to tackle homelessness and hunger in South Florida. The funds we raise provide vital resources to impoverished families, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial stability. With over 50,000 residents of Broward County relying on our services each year, it is the community's support, including individuals, groups, and businesses, that fuels our mission, accounting for more than 70% of our funding.

The Kettle Krush 5K derives its name from our iconic Red Kettles, which are manned during the holiday season to collect donations for families in need. Each year, The Salvation Army raises hundreds of thousands of dollars and distributes over 7,000 gifts to families living below the poverty line in Broward County.

The racecourse at Markham Park is officially sanctioned by the USATF, and AccuChipUSA, Inc. will provide professional timing for the race. We encourage participants to embrace the holiday spirit by dressing up in festive attire and bringing their pets decked out in their finest. Awards will be presented to the top three runners, various age groups, and those with the most creatively wacky holiday outfits for both themselves and their pets. Our event caters to all ages and will feature a kids' zone with art, crafts, and a bounce house.

To secure your spot, take advantage of our early registration fees: $10 for children up to 9 years old, $25 for students aged 10 to 17 and seniors aged 60 and above, and $30 for registrants aged 18 and over.

Team registration is available at $25 per person for teams of five or more. As a token of our appreciation, each registrant will receive a complimentary commemorative race t-shirt. Additionally, participants in the Kettle Krush 5K will enjoy waived entry fees for Markham Park, and parking will be provided free of charge, conveniently located across from the Runner's Pavilion area.

▸ For more information or to pledge additional monetary and/or sponsorship support, please contact Robert Beasley at (954) 712-2480 or email Robert. Beasley@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Ilike helping people. The whole point of us being here in this world is to help each other.”

This is the philosophy of Tracy M. Greenbaum, Broward County guidance counselor and college admissions coach whose passion in life is helping youth fulfill their full potential.

And in a time when poor mental health has become an epidemic, and colleges are becoming increasingly competitive, it is becoming more and more crucial for students to be supported inside and outside of school. Mr. Greenbaum aims to be a part of this supportive network.

“We’re here for the students. That’s my number one thing,” he said.

Even though his goal was always to help people, he didn’t always expect to become a guidance counselor. Before pursuing a career in education,

By Alexis Peart

he was on the pre-med track at the University of South Florida. However, he had a feeling it wasn’t the right path for him.

Mr. Greenbaum spent years immersed in the world of tennis and sports as a professional tennis coach for 25 years and even a tennis coach for a sleepaway camp from as young as 16 years old.

Additionally, he served as an assistant coach on the 2018 Western High School girls' softball team. What was that like?

“We had an amazing run,” Mr. Greenbaum said.

With his guidance, and with a lot of hard work and dedication, the team was able to win the state championship, the first state title for Western High School.

“It [the win] was even more intense and more meaningful because my daughter played for me,” he said.

His experience helping students to improve in athletics, through both softball and tennis, helped him rediscover his passion.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching and working with young people. And so after years of teaching tennis, I decided I found my calling, which is helping students,” said Mr. Greenbaum.

Mr. Greenbaum then pursued a degree in education, getting hired immediately after earning his master’s degree in guidance and counseling. Throughout his career, he’s always made sure to encourage students.

One of his former students, Jason Howard, agrees with this notion.

“Mr. Greenbaum was my counselor for two years,” started Howard, explaining that despite being assigned another counselor, he continued seeing Mr. Greenbaum, “all of the students liked him. When I would go to the guidance office, all of the doors were closed,” said Howard. “His door was always open.”

Through Greenbaum College

Advising, many others also benefited from Mr. Greenbaum’s help.

“I find that my passion is helping these kids one on one with the whole entire college process. I think it's really fun helping them write their essays, helping them choose their colleges.” said Mr. Greenbaum, “My favorite thing is at the very end when they actually make it. It's a great feeling on their end and my end as well, knowing that I did make a difference in someone's life.”

“That’s why we do what we do,” he said.