Contact: Robert Andrescik, 407-900-9496, rob@mediablanket.com

LONGWOOD, Fla., Aug. 28, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Gift cards may be the go-to purchase when you're shopping for the person who seemingly has it all, but research shows that many of them are never used. In fact, one study revealed U.S. consumers have left more than $41 billion on unused gift cards purchased since 2005.

Now, a Central Florida based ministry that has impacted the lives of 10,000,000 men worldwide is inviting area churchgoers to put their (gift) cards on the table to show pastors just how much they are appreciated.

It's all part of the first annual Pastor Appreciation 5K Run/Walk, coming up on Saturday, October 6, 2012, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Northland, A Church Distributed in Longwood. Donated gift cards will be included in gift baskets presented to the senior and associate pastors of each church with race entrants.

Sponsored by Man in the Mirror ministries (www.maninthemirror.org), the regional event is an opportunity for believers from hundreds of churches throughout Central Florida to say "thank you" at the start of Clergy Appreciation Month -- a special time each October that congregations set aside to honor pastors and their families for their hard work, commitment and sacrificial dedication.

According to Dr. Patrick Morley, bestselling author and founder of Man in the Mirror ministries: "A significant part of the health and strong culture of our community is built on the backs of hundreds of dedicated pastors, who week in and week out guide, nourish, counsel, comfort and challenge as many as 1,000,000 of our citizens. This is a tangible way for us to show that we are grateful."

All event details, race map, registration, volunteer information, along free downloadable posters, can be found at www.fleetfeetorlando.com/pastor. The first 300 runners and all volunteers will receive a free "I Appreciate My Pastor!" t-shirt. Pastors and their immediate families are invited to run for free by registering at website above. Any proceeds from the event will be used by Man in the Mirror to help Central Florida churches strengthen men and their families.

Unused gift cards (please indicate remaining values) can be mailed to or dropped off at: Man in the Mirror, 180 Wilshire Blvd. Casselberry, FL 32707, ATTN: Charlene.