June 12, 2016 is a date that NO ONE with ever forget. It is a date that changed Orlando and the entire nation, forever. It’s the day that a sick person felt the need to drive into the city beautiful and kill 49 people and hurt 53 others. The worst massacre in U.S. history. I won’t go into details but I am sure you have all heard about it. This horrific event has not only shook Orlando, but our entire world. We have received an incredible amount of support from all over the world.
This past week has been hell to say the least. Three tragic events, days apart. But here in Orlando, we stand together. We are picking up the broken pieces and banding together as ONE to get through this. It is a difficult time and has affected everyone, but one thing is for sure, we are unbreakable. When it is time to support, help, and be there for one another, we are. We are a resilient bunch and we will stop at nothing to make Orlando, be the city beautiful.
With that said, the community has come together in various ways to try to help the victims and those affected. From the florist, funeral homes, to jetblue, and Oneblood. Everyone here is trying to and wants to help the victims and their families. The running community does to and we are.
Track Shack has invited everyone from runners to walkers, and kids, to join their weekly Wednesday group fun run next week. This one will be different. They are going to pay tribute and honor all the lives we lost this past week.
The event is free, and will have water for everyone. If you have done their weekly fun runs before, then you are familiar with the course. You’ll go through the beautiful Urban Trail and head towards Loch Haven Park.It will be just over 3 miles, but there a 2 miler option as well. There is a portion of the trail where you can split off and shorten the run which many do.
Even though the event is free, they do want everyone to register here so they can keep count. The OneOrlando Fund Run starts at 6:00 p.m. next Wednesday. I’d advise you all to give yourself plenty of time to arrive and find parking.
Parking Along Mills Avenue
Along Thornton Avenue
Armstrong Lock
Park & Walk Options – One Mile Away:
Mennello Museum – 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando Shakespeare Theatre – 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando Museum of Art – 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Watch for parking signs! Please be courteous to the surrounding business and residential neighbors.
They are also selling the incredibly popular #OrlandoStrong t-shirts on site and at the store (starting on 6/17) for a $20 donation. Proceeds will benefit the One Orlando Fund. Check and cash payments preferred.
If you can’t go but want to help, you can donate at OneOrlando Fund.
If you are in the area, I think you should come join us and help the victims and their families. We need to band together and show our strength. Orlando is a beautiful city filled with support, togetherness, and love. Being with each other helps everyone get through this heartbreaking moment. Let’s lace up and take steps towards more love, less hate.
-gelcys
Empire Unleashed 
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