“Elisa’s Greatest Wishes” charitable fund carries on the 10 year old’s legacy and honors her life. Proceeds from the run will go to buy books for school libraries and fund scholarships, among other items.

PALM HARBOR – Elisa Nelson was riding her bike to Palm Harbor Middle School on the morning of Nov. 4, 1980 when she was abducted and subsequently murdered. The suspect was arrested and executed in April 2013 for the killing.

Friends and relatives will honor Elisa with a 5K and one-mile fun run Saturday (April 2) at Wall Springs Park, 3725 Desoto Blvd. in Palm Harbor. The 5k race starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 1 mile fun run starts at 9:00 a.m. The 5k race is $30 in advance/$35 day of the race. The one-mile fun run is $18 in advance/$20 day of the race.

Race proceeds will be used to buy books for school libraries, fund scholarships, Girl Scouts, youth athletics, help sick children, animal charities or anything else that was in Elisa’s nature to help.

The decision to establish a charity in Elisa’s honor came from her personality. Relatives and friends say Elisa was adventurous, brave, and athletic. More than that, she was kind and generous. She would teach neighborhood kids to read. She would save up her money and donate it to the MDA Telethon. She loved animals. She loved being a Girl Scout, dancing, gymnastics, cheerleading and playing baseball. She loved to make her friends smile. One of her last essays from school was titled “If I Had Three Wishes” wherein she describes, in detail, the horse she would wish for and closes it with “these would be my greatest wishes.”

For information about Elisa, Elisa’s Greatest Wishes, to donate, or to sign up for the 5K or fun run, go to elisasgreatestwishes.org.

Photograph of Elisa Nelson courtesy of Elisa’s Greatest Wishes.

Palm Harbor | Elisa’s Greatest Wishes | Elisa Nelson | 5K | Fun Run | TB Reporter

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