Category Archives: Events

Mandala Proudly Sponsors The: Limitless 5k

MANDALA FAMILY WELLNESS PRESENTS:

Ability Tree First Coast is hosting its 3rd annual Limitless 5K & Family Fun Run on April 6th in support of its mission to come alongside families impacted by disability and provide R.E.S.T. It will be hosted at the beautiful Beachwalk Club and end at their Lagoon!

This 5k is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and for all ages and all abilities!

The primary intentions of our Limitless 5k are to promote disability awareness & foster community inclusion, as well as raise funds to make sure our programs can continue to be offered and make a difference in the lives of our MVPs (individuals with a disability) and their families. By you participating, you are helping us make this happen! 
 
All proceeds from this FUNdraising event will benefit our CampAbility summer camps, Stop, Drop, & Play and SociAbility respite programs, family community events, and our Mobile SensAbility Center. You can find out more about our programs by going to our website and looking on the “Programs” tab in the menu bar.

If you have a disability and would like to participate, but can’t run, we have partnered with Ainsley’s Angels in Jacksonville to help make it possible for you! Ainsley’s Angels is a national non-profit with a mission of inclusion. They pair runners and “Angel Riders” (anyone with a disability that prevents them from racing by themselves). They also provide specialized running chairs and runners if needed. Anyone interested in joining their team as a runner or rider for this event, contact Ambassador Kim Hetrick ([email protected]) BEFORE you register here. 

If you are a special needs family and want to join in (and you don’t need to use Ainsley’s Angels), your family will receive an MVP (special needs) rate. You will see the option during registration.

**RFID Timing Technology will be used**


REGISTRATION INCLUDES: t-shirt, runner’s bib with chip, finisher medal, & access to the Beachwalk Finish Line Celebration

T-shirt deadline March 25th! After this it’s first come first served until we run out.

AWARDS…
Awards to the top 3 Male and Female finishers and top Male and Female Masters Winner.
Awards to the top 3 Male and Female in the following age groups; 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over

Tricks and Treats for a Low-Stress Holiday Season

Tricks and Treats

As the air cools and the sunlight begins to change, the onset of Fall brings fresh excitement for many families. The novelty of a new school year may have worn off, but October brings classroom parties, haunted houses, hayrides, and enough candy to last an entire season. While there certainly is plenty to be excited about, it is important to manage your time well and not allow the fun of the holiday season to overwhelm you or your family. To help stay on top of things and keep Fall fun, here are some helpful hints to ensure your holiday season remains low-stress:

Schedule Family Time

Taking some intentional time away from smartphones and tablets can be a refreshing opportunity for you and your family. Fall is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy fun experiences with one another- from pumpkin carving to bonfires to decorating, there’s something everyone can get into. Consider some gentle encouragement for the whole family to put down the screens and spend some time making memories together.

Plan Ahead

Things can get busy quickly this time of year, and school events or play dates can sneak up on the best of us. When we lose track of even one or two of these, that can easily lead to late, grumpy nights spent trying to finish up a project or cram in a study session for a test. By keeping an eye on your family’s weekly commitments, you can help avoid stressful nights or weekends, and instead, go out and enjoy the season.

Moderate Candy Intake

Whether it’s chocolate, sour, caramel, or nuts, there are enough candy options out there to give every kid something to love (and adults, too). During the Halloween season, it’s OK to allow your children to have some candy throughout the week, but it’s important to keep it to a minimum and cycle in other foods along the way. To keep things fun, consider prepping trays of chopped fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese, or let your kids make their own trail mix bags with nuts, pretzels, coconut flakes, and little bits of chocolate or dried fruit.

Consider Costume Management

Every Halloween season brings new opportunities for children to come up with their next great idea. However, an amazing idea for a costume can easily turn into an uphill battle as the afternoon or evening drags on, sometimes leaving parents wearing more of the costume than their children. Choosing comfy shoes or footwear, keeping accessories to a minimum for ease of travel, and ensuring the costume maintains a comfortable temperature will all go a long way towards ensuring everyone has the best time possible.