For Dawn Daugherty, her son JC, and Clearwater For Youth (CFY), the passing of a longtime Clearwater icon was a call to action.
“Phil Doganiero was a pillar in our community, he was very philanthropic, especially toward youth and had a long-time connection with Clearwater For Youth,” said Dawn. “He was a board member for years, and was very involved personally in triathlons, even competing in the Kona Ironman.”
JC’s memories of Phil reach back into his childhood.
“Growing up, I was friends with his son, Blake. We played sports together, specifically football, and Phil was one of our biggest supporters,” JC said. “I can remember him on the sidelines during football practice at The Long Center riding his stationary road bike training for his next race. Game day, he was always the first to greet us after each game, win or lose. My first thought after he passed was that we needed a way for him to inspire the next generation the way he had inspired me.”
In talking to Phil’s longtime friends and family, an idea was born. Phil had long dreamed of a road race along Clearwater’s beautiful bridges. JC, along with the Clearwater For Youth Board of Trustees and a host of supporters including the the City of Clearwater, took up the challenge to make this dream a reality. The 3 Bridge Race supports Clearwater for Youth’s mission to ensure all children have the opportunity to play, regardless of financial concerns. CFY contributes to constructive sports programs where children from all backgrounds can play and learn together, building character through sports.
Now in its third year, the Phil Doganiero 3 Bridge Race presented by Frenchy’s Restaurants is already the largest annual fundraiser for Clearwater For Youth. Expected to draw nearly 4,000 runners and walkers of all ages, this year’s race also includes a special tribute, to commemorate a founding CFY Board Member, Jean Ann Hughes, who recently passed away. John & Marilyn Connelly, close friends of Jean Ann, have made a gift to the race, ensuring that each race medal will be inscribed to celebrate her selfless life and service.
Dawn is grateful for the support of the entire community and so proud of her son, JC, for making this event a reality.
“Community support is why this has been so successful; it’s the community’s support of Phil, and through his memory we’ve been able to introduce the important work of CFY to our friends and neighbors.”
Register to run individually or as a team at the3bridgerace.com
Running to Celebrate Life: Clearwater philanthropists honored in 3rd annual 3 Bridge Race
