Shoney's Inaugural 5K Run to Benefit Planned Metro Police Foundation
Shoney’s Corporation CEO David Davoudpour and Chief Ronal Serpas today announced that the inaugural Shoney’s 5K Family Fun Run benefiting the Metropolitan Police Department will be held on Saturday morning, June 6, outside LP Field.
“Public safety and emergency preparedness are essential elements to Nashville’s economic growth and community well being, and Shoney’s wants to be a leader in supporting our men and women in blue,” Davoudpour said. “For several months, the chief and I have spoken frequently about the formation of a Nashville Police Foundation. Shoney’s is excited to help spearhead fundraising for the planned foundation and will donate 100% of the proceeds from the Family Fun Run toward that cause.”
Davoudpour said in addition to the minimum $20,000 donation to the planned foundation as a result of this event, Shoney’s will also contribute an additional $5 per entrant in the Shoney’s 5K Family Fun Run. He also announced that the top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100. Those top finishers will also receive Shoney’s gift certificates in the same amounts.
“I am humbled by Shoney’s amazing generosity and strong desire to support the men and women of our police department,” Chief Serpas said. “In the near future, we will announce the establishment of a foundation that, as a top priority, will help officers offset the expense of earning college degrees. Clearly, higher education enhances professionalism and effectiveness in what we do. The foundation may also be called upon to assist the department in other ways, such as the purchase of certain special equipment to enhance our public safety mission.”
“The men and women of the Fraternal Order of Police are very excited about today’s announcement and are grateful for the tremendous support and generosity of Shoney’s and Mr. Davoudpour,” said Metro Police Sergeant and Nashville FOP President Robert Weaver. “With continued community support, there is no doubt this department will continue to succeed in making Nashville safer.”
Festivities on June 6 begin at 7 a.m. and are open to all ages. The Kids Fun Run will take place alongside LP Field and begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the 5K Run at 8:15 a.m. Participants will enjoy either running or walking a scenic loop around historic downtown Nashville, followed by an awards ceremony and fun festival.
To register for the Shoney’s 5K Family Fun Run, simply request a form at one of twenty-six Nashville area Shoney’s restaurants or visit shoneys.com. All pre-registered race participants will receive a one-of-a-kind T-shirt commemorating the event. The cost to participate in the race is $20 until May 31; $25 from June 1 through June 5; and $30 on race day. Kids, military and police are only $10.
Following the Fun Run, there will be a family-friendly festival and kid’s zone in Lot A in front of LP Field. Activities will include a healthy eating and activity table staffed by Vanderbilt Medical Center, talented balloon artists, giant inflatables (including an exciting 17-foot slide) and face painting. Each child will receive a commemorative badge. Coca-Cola will provide complimentary beverages
Announcing the inaugural Shoney's 5K Family Fun Run are (l-r) Shoney's Bear, FOP President Robert Weaver, Chief Ronal Serpas, Shoney's Chief Marketing Officer Hannibal Myers, Shoney's CEO David Davoudpour, and Mayor Karl Dean's Chief of Staff Rita Roberts-Turner.
Photos from the Shoney's 5K Fun Run News Conference