Reindeer Run to benefit veterans draws 100s of fit folks

     The 2025 Reindeer Run 5K presented by Headquarter Toyota drew 565 runners and walkers to Business Park West on Dec. 13. Racers took off to the sounds of the Hialeah Gardens High School marching band, conducted by Joshua Guzman, a military veteran. The Veterans Committee and Chair William Perez organized the event. Veterans Committee member Judy Farcus Serra, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Headquarter Toyota, wrote in an email that the race raised “$67,225 in total dollars.” 

     “This was a record year and we are all so proud!” she said. After expenses are paid, what remains will go toward veterans projects in town and the Miami Lakes Veterans Families Scholarship, which is awarded to a high school senior who is related to a current or former service member, she said. Mascots returning this year were Headquarter Toyota’s Lazaro El Lechon and the cow from Chick-Fil-A Miami Lakes. Barbara Goleman Senior High School Teacher Ana Soto-Gonzalez and members of the National Honor Society helped assemble packages with bib numbers and T-shirts for runners. Palm Springs North K-8 kindergarten teacher and Agriscience Director Ashley Panni brought the school’s petting zoo. Farcus Serra said she was thankful for support from Headquarter Toyota, the Esteve family who own the dealership and co-workers Nathalia Arragon, Beatrice Martinez, Jonathan Gonzalez and the parts team.     

     “This event really brought the community together and we are excited to plan for next year,” Farcus Serra said.  

This year’s sponsors included JJ Compulink; Sweat440; Insurance Queen Agency; BDO USA; Baptist Health South Florida; HRBenefits; Corzo Unlimited Electric; Everglades Automotive Equipment; FPI Security Services; Insurance Nation; JM&A Group; Peak Podiatry; Chick-Fil-A; Headquarter Toyota;  HGI Technologies; Safeguard Print Promotional Apparel, Caution Crossfit, Clear Channel Outdoor and The Graham Companies.

--Photos: Tico Casamayor