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Benefit run to help unwanted animals

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By KENNETH KNIGHT

kknight@tampatrib.com

Published: November 18, 2009

CORY LAKE ISLES - This scenic community tucked behind private gates is home to a host of movers and shakers. On Saturday, it becomes the site of a benefit run for unwanted animals.

Race for a Place, a fitness walk and run event sponsored by Shapes Total Fitness for Women and the Cory Lake Isles subdivision, kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Beach Club, the community clubhouse at 10441 Cory Lake Drive.

The community will swing open the exclusive gates to invite in anyone interested in participating in 5- and 10-kilometer runs and a 5K walk to raise money for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Registration is $25 for the five-hour event.

Bobby Rich of CBS Radio and Tom Pepin of Tampa-based Pepin Distributing Co. will serve as race officials.

The race will take place around the community's 165-acre lake.

Race participants will compete for more than $7,500 in cash and prizes from sponsors such as University Bicycle Center, Tan USA, Spa Moritz, Pepin Distributing, Rejuva, Vitamin Discount Center and Kristina Ambiance Specialist.

Animal adoptions will be available on site, as well as pet shampoos by members of Girl Scout Troop 691 of New Tampa, said Mary Hrvatin-Nash, spokeswoman for Shapes Total Fitness.

Cathy Bellatin, special events director at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, said the nonprofit organization works with about 16 area groups, including Shapes, each year.

Each event aims to raise money to help pay for the treatment of unwanted animals and cover the cost of preparing homeless dogs and cats for adoption.

The theme of the Cory Lake Isles race is focused on helping the Humane Society provide a comfortable environment for the pets, Bellatin said.

"The dogs and cats need a place to stay until they find a new home," she said.

In addition to adoption service, the Humane Society covers the cost of pet vaccinations as well as providing microchips, a wellness clinic on Saturdays and low cost spayed and neutering services.

"We are trying to get out in the community a little more to spread the word," Bellatin said. "We try to let everyone know about the great services we offer."

To register for the event, go to www.shapes totalfitness.com and click on the "Race for a Place" link to download a registration application.

Reporter Kenneth Knight can be reached at (813) 259-7413.

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