Popular downtown eatery Cowford Chophouse is set to host its fifth annual MOO-VE IT 5K run on March 6, 2021.
The restaurant will again join with last year’s partner, Jacksonville Arts & Music School (JAMS), for this year’s race. JAMS is a local nonprofit organization that aims to promote creativity and provide arts education to students in grades three through ten in the city’s underserved communities. Funds from the 5K will aid in its ability to provide arts education and leadership training to young Jax residents in those communities.
“Cowford [Chophouse]’s MOO-VE IT activities are a favorite among JAMS students and families, and we’re incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the fun again in 2021,” said Jason Peoples, executive director at JAMS.
“At JAMS, we are passionate about providing children with a safe environment where they can embrace their passion as well as develop key leadership and problem-solving skills,” Peoples continued. “Cowford’s support has helped us continue to serve young creative thinkers, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our mission with the Jacksonville community through the MOO-VE IT events.”
Last year’s 5K raised more than $18,000 for JAMS and helped the organization in its shift to virtual activities brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since launching the event in 2017, Cowford Chophouse has raised over $40,000 to benefit its nonprofit partners, including the North Florida School of Special Education, Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, and Justice Coalition.
The restaurant, which opened in late 2017, is owned by Jacksonville residents Jacques and Tracy Klempf.
“This past year has brought with it challenges and hardships that many across our community have experienced in a number of different ways,” said Jacques Klempf, co-owner of the Cowford Chophouse with his wife, Tracy. “As a member of the downtown Jacksonville community for the past three years, Cowford [Chophouse] recognizes the importance of supporting our friends and neighbors now more than ever before. That is why we’re proud to team up with JAMS once again this year to support their efforts to empower children through arts education and bring together the community in a safe and fun outdoor event.
In addition to the 5K event, Cowford Chophouse – in partnership with Jax Cooking Studio – will also host its second annual MOO-VE IT Cooking Competition for JAMS students in February.
To ensure the safety of participants, the event will maintain strict social distancing guidelines and safety measures including mask requirements, staggered start times, sealed water bottles, and sanitation stations.
You can register for the 5K, or the accompanying one-mile fun run, at https://www.1stplacesports.com/races/MOOVEIT/.
