4th Annual Jefferson H. Ridgdill "Run To The Sun" Memorial 5K Run-Walk

RunToTheSun| Memorial 4 Mile Run/Walk

About Us
In Memory Of… Jefferson H. Ridgdill Nov. 28, 1949 - June 20, 2006 Born in New Smyrna Beach, Jeff was a lifelong area resident. A 1967 graduate of New Smyrna Beach Senior High School, Jeff earned a BA degree in education from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in education from Nova University. For most of his teaching career Jeff taught social studies, economics, government, law, and guitar, and sponsored the God First Always Club and Surf Club at Spruce Creek High School. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, New Smyrna Beach. Jeff was co-founder and past president of the New Smyrna Beach FIN-atics Parrot Head Club, and a member of New Smyrna Beach Elks Lodge #1557. In 2003, Jeff was named a "Point of Light" by Governor Jeb Bush. This prestigious award recognized his exemplary service to the community. At age 16, Jeff started entertaining in the New Smyrna Beach area with his dad in a local band. He continued to delight audiences in the band "Wild Honey" until 2002. Jeff loved his family, music, history, his North Carolina mountain home, and helping others. How did this event begin? This memorial event was conceptualized right before Jeff went to be with God our Father following a 3 1/2 year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jeff’s daughter, Angi, and son-in-law, Sal, decided an event in his memory continuing Jeff’s love of and service to the community would be a great way to remember him. Their family hopes to celebrate his life each year by holding this memorial event. Since 2006... and into the future! We have raised over $25,000 for local charities. In 2006, the inagural year, our charity was the Association for Retarded Citizens. This is an organization close to our hears since Jeff's brother, Benny, has benefitted from their services all of his life.
Benny and his friends from the ARC had a great time at the first event where participants helped raise $6000 for the ARC. Click on their logo to be directed to the ARC of Volusia's website.

Sal & Angi Palmieri present "big check" to St. Jude Representatives in 2007. Sponsors, donors and race participants helped raise $10,000 for the charity. And in 2008, the Boggy Creek Gang Camp received over $5,000 for terminally ill children to attend their camp in the year to come. That brought our total to over $20,000 for deserving charities!.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association received funds from 2009's event with money going to Duchenne's Research. Almost $5,000 was given to the MDA! Amazing run participant, below, does the entire 4 miles with heavy gear in memory of fallen firefighters then shares a smile with MDA patients, Noah & Rowan Smith, who helped hand out medals at the finish line! Great Job Everybody! Please contact Race Director, Angi Ridgdill Palmieri, with questions or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities in 2010. The Jefferson H. Ridgdill Memorial Fund helps many organizations through it's main event, the Run to the Sun. Our sponsoring company, Elite Amenties, helps to make this event possible and also promotes other charitable, worthwile causes by sponsoring events and fundraising efforts in many communities. For more information about Elite Amenties, you can visit www.eliteamenities.com. 904/742-5299 (phone) 904/940-6652 (fax) angi@runtothesun4jeff.com