Key Training Center thanks the citizens of Citrus County for being part of our 2018 Run for the Money events. The Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction, the 180-mile run from Tallahassee to Lecanto, Walk a Mile in My Shoes, the Runner Celebration Festival, and the 9-hour live telethon were all a great success, thanks to the community, and raised $246,350.11 for scholarship funding.

The Key Training Center takes this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, staff, vendors and donors for coming forward and offering their help to make this year’s Run for the Money so successful. Also, without the help of our Key Center partners — Sissine’s Business Solutions, Bay Area Air Conditioning, Labels, LassiterWare Insurance, Citrus County Chronicle, Crystal Automotive, Naturecoast Country Radio Z103.3/104.3, WYKE Key-TV Channel 47, Advanced Disposal, Royal Legacy, Sabal Trail Transmission and Citrus Memorial Hospital — this would have not been possible.

We recognize the 2018 Citizen of the Year, Vic Maldonado (nine-hour telethon volunteer). Maldonado’s dedication to our Run For The Money week-long fundraising campaign and our nine-hour telethon, specifically, are immeasurable. For many years, he has assisted the Key Training Center by gathering a group of volunteers to help produce the nine-hour telethon. The 2018 Organization of the Year, Nature Coast Therapy Dogs, is recognized for their commitment to bring their therapy dogs every week to visit our clients at the Lecanto and Inverness Adult Day Training centers. The presence of their dogs has really made a significant impact on the progress of some of our clients. Finally, Fire Rescue Lt. Anthony Seguin is awarded the second annual Runner Celebration of Excellence Award (2017). He has made a significant impact in advocating for the Key Training Center and its clients by running in the 180-mile run and spreading awareness of developmental disabilities in our community for the last couple of years.

It is truly amazing how Citrus County comes together each year to support the many activities and events associated with the Run for the Money. Literally, hundreds of staff and volunteers help make the Run for the Money so successful. Run for the Money is a true people-to-people experience that underscores the axiom, “together we can do more” to improve the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. Thank you for helping us provide our clients with services that help them live productive, happy lives in our beautiful Citrus County.

Heidi Gutierrez

Lecanto