This year’s “Make a Difference Day,” will be a little different in south Brevard County. In addition to the Oct. 27 national day of volunteerism’s normal festivities, a 5-kilometer race and dinner will be held for benefit the Jason Whitworth family and to raise awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Whitworth, a physical education instructor, cross-country and track coach, was diagnosed with ALS last September at age 40 year. “Jason’s Run” will be held at Melbourne Central Catholic High School at 4:30 p.m., followed by a dinner at 6 p.m., sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Palm Bay.

Whitworth has had tremendous impact on the lives of many of Brevard’s athletes. Students from multiple schools at which he taught and coached, including St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Melbourne Central Catholic and West Shore, are expected to attend the event.

“I am running the race because Coach Whitworth was like a father to our cross-country team, and I am really happy we are getting the chance to support him and the fight against ALS,” junior  Ryan Bellone said.

Whitworth continues to inspire with his favorite catchphrase “Never Give Up,” which has become a motto for several West Shore students and teams, and senior Matthew Greathouse said the run will be a great way to show support for him because sports and running are his passion.

“It’s for a great cause and everyone Coach Whitworth helped can now help him by running for him,” Greathouse said.

For students, the cost to participate is $15 for the race or dinner, but if participating in both it is $25. The adult cost is $25 for the race, $20 for the meal and $35 for the combination. In addition, the first 200 people to sign up will receive a commemorative T-shirt.  Other sponsorship opportunities include making donations in the bronze, silver and gold categories that come with a multitude of advertising perks. Complete information and the form needed to sign up for the race, the dinner or to be a sponsor can be found on Edline.