Kim Ponzio’s teammates will paint wings on their faces and push an airplane-shaped bed Saturday morning.
Ponzio’s team, the Amazing Gracers of Grace United Methodist Church, signed up to compete in the second annual Bed Race, in which teams of five build beds on wheels and race them to bring awareness to child homelessness.
The free event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Santa Fe College track, located 3000 NW 83rd St.
Family Promise of Gainesville is a mobile homeless shelter that moves its beds to open spaces, such as service organizations and places of worship, said Jayne Moraski, the executive director of the organization.
“Our beds are literally on wheels, so it is pretty appropriate to have a race with beds on wheels,” she said.
The fundraiser, she said, represents the plight of homeless families, specifically those with children, who are forced to constantly relocate.
Each of the teams paid an entry fee of $100 and was encouraged to raise another $750, Ponzio said.
She said someone dressed as a pilot will ride on the team’s bed, built to look like a biplane, while others push from behind.
Each team’s rider must be at least 100 pounds, Ponzio said, and the beds must have four wheels on the ground, pushed by four runners who all have their hands on the bed when crossing the finish line.
Ponzio said her team hopes to not only raise awareness and money, but also to send a message.
“Trying to lift others up until they can get back on their feet,” she said.
