Dewey Beach, DE – Focus Multisports, known for their festival-style running events, has partnered with local non-profits and has helped to raise more than $500,000 in its 5 years in business. Focus Multisports is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that hosts races on DelMarVa including Bethany Beach Firecraker Run/Walk, Bethany Beach First Responders Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquabike, Bethany Beach Half Marathon, Justin’s Beach House 5k, Dewey Beach Buddy 5k Walk/Run, Athletes Against Alzheimer’s Run, Surfin’ Snowman Run and the Coastal Delaware Running Festival. Often featuring on course music, finish line parties, and hyper-trendy swag, the business is the brainchild of social entrepreneurs Ernie Felici and Rick Hundley.
“At Focus Multisports, we believe in the power of philanthropy. We believe in the partnership between for-profit
businesses and the non-profit sector. Our alliances strengthen local organizations and provide businesses with a platform to give back. I would say such collaborations are “win/win.” said Rick Hundley.
Sometimes, the business partners reach out to non-profits directly, other times, they are approached. “We knew we wanted to bring about positive things in our communities, and knew the best way to do that was to support the important work of non-profits, but we also know that we must give sponsors a marketing return for their charitable contributions to our events,” said Ernie Felici. “We started Focus Multisports to help great non-profits to do more of what they do well.”
Back in April, Focus Multisports presented a 5k, 9k, half and full marathons – the 5th Annual Delaware Running Festival, sponsored by Grotto Pizza; proceeds supported Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation and Delaware Seashore State Parks. Dubbed “Delaware’s Coolest Marathon” and designated by VacationRentalHomes.com, a Trip Advisor Company, as the “Best Marathon in Delaware”, and recipient of The Runners Choice Award, the Coastal Delaware Running Festival, hosted more than 4,000 runners, thousands of fans, and dozens of volunteers. Designated a State of Delaware Championship event by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and a Boston Marathon qualifying race, the weekend celebration featured all kinds of race-related activities.
“We want to thank our most recent partners for joining us in doing good for so many, and toast them for having a good time doing it,” said Race Rick Hundley. Sponsors this year were the presenting sponsor Grotto Pizza, The Bellmoor Inn, Spa, Gardens and Conference Center, Admiral, Oceanus, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Giant Foods, Highway One Companies, TriCycle Run, Gatorade, NKS Distributors, Team Timmons Realtors, , Famous Chaps Pit Beef, Clean Delaware, Inc. Southern Delaware Tourism, New Eyes Productions, D3 Corp., Arena’s Restaurants, Creative Resource Group, Baja Beach House Grill, The Cultured Pearl, La Vida Hospitality, Kilwins Candies, Race the Nation, DJ Rupe, Provident State Bank, DBC Interactive, Eagle 99.7 FM, Hyatt Place, Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Lighthouse Cove Dewey Beach, and Hyatt Place Dewey Beach.
Focus Multisports has supported events for Autism Delaware, Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, Autism Speaks, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, Rehoboth YMCA Swim Team, Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, Fort Miles Historical Association, Friends of Holts Landing State Park, Inland Bays Foundation, Merr Foundation, Sussex Central Track Field, Seashore Striders Youth Running Club, Rehoboth Boys & Girls Club, Indian River Tribe Lacrosse, Delaware Kids Fun, Get Well Gabby Foundation, Prestons March for Energy, and Sussex Academy Cross Country Team.
Recently, $25,000 was contributed to the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, over $20,000 to various Sussex County Youth Sports Teams and Civic Organizations, $23,500 to Justin’s Beach House, $2,000 to Contractors for a Cause, $2,000 to the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company and $5,000 was contributed to the Dewey Beach Lions Club.
The next event is the Athletes Against Alzheimer’s 5k Run/Walk in Bethany Beach on August 4 which will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to find a cure for the disease. Sponsorship opportunities and registration are now open. Visit focusmultisports.com for registration inks to all events.
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~ Focus Multisports