In addition to honoring the woman who led the efforts in order to make Benny Russell Park in Pace a reality, Saturday’s ‘Mary Stewart Fortune Fun Run’ will also feature an announcement from county officials regarding the plans to make the park more accessible for the disabled.
The event, which is being sponsored by the Benny Russell Park Inc. and the Alpha Beta Phi service sorority in Pace, will raise proceeds for the Mary Stewart Fortune memorial, according to one of the event organizers Misty Ladnier.
“Benny Russell Park would not be here if it were not for Mary Stewart Fortune,” Ladnier said.
Fellow sorority member Dawn Henderson said Fortune, a relative, was considered the leader of several individuals who worked to bring Benny Russell Park to life. The park is named after the late Santa Rosa County School Superintendent.
Henderson said Fortune’s community involvement is known throughout Pace.
“In 2001, she was named Woman of the Year by the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce and Citizen of the Year by the Pace Area Chamber of Commerce,” Henderson said.
This past summer, Fortune died as a result of brain cancer. The “emotions are still fresh” for the family and close friends, Henderson said. However, organizing this event for a great cause has been therapeutic.
“It’s good to work for a process like this, especially after losing someone like that,” she said.
The sorority is currently working to find a way to memorialize Fortune at the park. Some of the ideas currently being considered include placing a memorial marker at the park telling of Fortune’s dedication to the development. Another consideration is naming a new addition which will benefit those with disabilities.
Saturday’s event is expected to include an announcement from Santa Rosa County Commissioner Jayer Williamson in regards to an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) addition.
“This will be a $200,000 all-inclusive section to the playground that will provide a play area for children with disabilities and their families,” Henderson said. “This type of park will be the first in our area.”
Saturday’s announcement will reveal more information about the addition, which has been approved by the board of commissioners.
Proceeds from the Fun Run will benefit the memorial for Fortune. The superhero-themed race will also feature several organization including schools, churches and law enforcement agencies. Henderson hopes this event will be the first of several.
“We hope to make the Fun Run an annual event to continue helping raise funds for the Benny Russell Park as I am sure it will continue to improve and grow,” Henderson said.
WHAT: Mary Stewart Fortune Fun Run
WHEN: Kick-off is at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Competitive runners start at 8:45 a.m. Leisure runners at 8:50 a.m. Walkers at 9 a.m.
WHERE: The Fun Run will begin at the Pace Community Church, located 4310 W. Spencer Field Road in Pace. The course will proceed along the sidewalk around the air field.
COST: Registration day of event is $30 for adults and $20 for participants ages 12 and younger.
ONLINE: Register online for the Fun Run by visiting bit.ly/1MLs2bY
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Saturday's Fun Run to honor Mary Stewart Fortune