About Us

A Race To Help Local Veterans in Need

It’s Our Turn, Inc. hosts its annual 10K and 5K race each Memorial Day in Punta Gorda, Florida. Runners and walkers are encouraged to register for the race early as the race deadline is April 15th!

Our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for this country, fallen on hard times, and are now dealing with physical, mental, and financial. They need us now more than ever.

“Our Armed Forces go through a lot even after they’ve returned from deployment, and sometimes need a hand up, so now it’s our turn to give back,” says Allen Carsten, head of a Veterans group in Charlotte County. “Those who make it home have scars, and some we can’t see.” As a Veteran himself, Carsten found healing in starting up The Veterans Group at his local church, Deep Creek Community Church. “Reaching out to help another person, there’s great healing in that. That’s what it’s all about.” Composed of men who have served in our Armed Forces and a Veteran First Responder, The Veterans Group began visiting homeless Veterans in Charlotte County in late 2013. “It’s about physically and spiritually making a difference in someone’s life who sacrificed and fought for our freedom,” says Carsten.

The Memorial Day Race enables The Veterans Group to help both Veteran initiative organizations and individual Veterans in the community. 

“This is truly all of ‘Our Turn’ to show we care and give all that we can for those that have sacrificed so much! Band with us in making this our biggest year and let’s see how many veterans we can give a hand up. Let’s make a difference in as many lives as we can this year, but we need everyone to run with us and have friends and family-run with us virtually,” says Roy Borrego, co-race director. Anyone interested in helping the nonprofit meet the goal of raising $75,000 can sign up as a runner/walker online and select their preferred race distance 10k or 5k, local or virtual.

Join the race to make a difference within the community. Sign up for the Annual Memorial Day 10K and 5K Race. 

If you or your organization would like to sponsor the race, contact us and we will send you our sponsorship package. You may also view the sponsorship package online. Online donations can be made at our donation page.

About It's Our Turn, Inc.

Founded in 2014, It’s Our Turn, Inc. is a charity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501c3. Its mission is to help local Veterans in need, made possible through donations and the annual Memorial Day Veterans 10k & 5k Race fundraiser.

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