CBS 12's Extraordinary People: Race For Faith 5K Run/Walk & 10K challenge

Story By: Michele Wright / CBS 12
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla.-- Meet Cindy Martel. She's a very busy mom of two boys...one of which she currently home-schools. Juggling daily activities, Cindy loves working with her husband a dentist in West Palm Beach, Dr. Victor Martel & the caring staff. As a family, their heart and passion is a ministry. An opportunity to help others smile on the inside and out.

Cindy Martel: "I grew up here, I went to school here. High school and college and just love the community. Love South Florida and the family environment. Family is very important our values and being able to serve in our communities".

Cindy tells CBS 12's Michele Wright that her faith in the Lord is her foundation. This Bible verse serving as an encouraging message and life mission.

"And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." (Hebrews 12:1b-2a, NLT)

"It strengthens me to carry on for my everyday activities whether it's in the practice or doing outreach's or ministries that we're involved in it's my foundation."

Former marathon runners, Cindy & Vic created the Race For Faith 5K Run & Walk & 10K challenge. A fun family event which raises money for charities and combines their love of running.

"Race for Faith® was started in 2003, it was something that was placed in my heart. The first run was in 2004 as has grown each year. Running for so many years for myself, running marathons. It was time to give back. It was time for me to use the gifts that I was given to make a difference."

Every year proceeds go to a local organization and a worldwide organization.

"Local food pantries, urban youth, kids that are in high risk situations., we get word of that need and we try to fill it."

World-wide their efforts have built wells for drinking water and last year, providing 28 animals in Africa along with their team of volunteers. As they grow, you can get involved by volunteering or becoming a sponsor.

"It's always been so important to me, because it's been about that one person. Everybody's going through something. If I could encourage one person that comes out to the race and say look we're all going through something, we're here to help and encourage you."

With a Christ-centered mission and focus, Cindy says the race/walk is open to all. Believers or non-believers. People of all faith's are welcome to come out and enjoy this fun event for a good cause.

"Race for Faith® does a couple of different things. We have you come out to the event. You're running a race for you.  It's your self esteem, you're walking.  You're getting physically fit but also you're giving back to the community."

Cindy wants her life to inspire others as a reminder that when you give, you get so much in return.

Special thanks to Darren & Jennifer Lincoln for the nomination.

Video courtesy of Paul Frost.

The next race is Saturday, February 23, 2013 at John Prince Park. Race/Walk, donate, volunteer or become a sponsor. The Primary Purpose of the Race for Faith® is to glorify God through physical fitness and making an impact in our community by spreading the "Good News of Jesus Christ" For more information visit their website: http://www.raceforfaith.com/ or connect with them on Facebook HERE

If you know an extraordinary person or extraordinary people making a positive difference in South Florida, email Michele Wright at mwright@cbs12.com, tweet her HERE or submit your nomination on-line below. We'd love to hear about it.

CLICK HERE to fill out a submission formCBS 12's Extraordinary People: Race For Faith 5K Run/Walk & 10K challenge

Monday, April 29 2013, 10:33 AM EDT