The Cowford Chophouse will hold its third annual MOO-VE IT 5K on Saturday, March 2 in downtown Jacksonville in remembrance of the late Michael Liles, the former executive director of the Justice Coalition.
The race will benefit the Justice Coalition, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of innocent victims of crime in the five-county area of Northeast Florida.
Proceeds from the MOO-VE IT 5K will be donated in Michael Liles’s name to the Justice Coalition to support the organization’s mission to advocate and educate victims about their rights and work with law enforcement to make communities safer. This year’s race will help fund the Justice Coalition’s newspaper, the Victims’ Advocate, which shares victims’ stories and is just one way the organization provides victims with a welcoming and safe community for healing.
“The Justice Coalition provides remarkable support for victims and their families,” said Jacques Klempf, Cowford Chophouse owner and a Ponte Vedra resident. “We are proud to bring the community together through the MOO-VE IT 5K to raise awareness and funds that provide a voice for victims of crime in honor of Michael, whose incredible work and passion has been helpful and inspirational to so many.”
Liles began his work with the Justice Coalition in 2017 after the passing of his wife due to a violent crime. His dedication led the organization to offer him the executive director position, in which he fought to protect victims and their families. Liles died on Oct.16, 2018 at the age of 62. He and his wife are survived by their five children and eight grandchildren.
“Michael’s passion for victims was unparalleled and his work to help them during the most difficult times of their lives will always be remembered,” said Robert Bracewell, chair of the Justice Coalition. “While Michael’s loss is still felt throughout the community, we continue to carry on our mission to stand up for those affected by crime and hope the Jacksonville community will stand with us by participating in the MOO-VE IT 5K in remembrance of Michael.”
In addition to proceeds from the MOO-VE IT 5K, Cowford donated 20 percent of proceeds from its Downtown Wine Down event on Oct. 18, 2018 to the Justice Coalition. Klempf also matched ticket sales with a personal donation to the Justice Coalition in remembrance of Liles and his work with the organization.
Cowford also partnered with the Winston Family YMCA to offer “Couch to 5K” and “Couch to 15K” exclusive training programs to help 30 lucky individuals prepare for the MOO-VE IT 5K or the Gate River Run, a 15k race taking place March 0. Individuals signed up to take part in an all-inclusive six-week training program that began Jan. 21. The weekly training program included three group running opportunities per week at the Winston Y, as well as additional fitness education information sessions. All participants were required to attend two out of the three running sessions per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
For more information or to register for the MOO-VE IT 5k, visit www.1stplacesports.com/races/mooveit/ .
