BALLIN’ ON BELROSE 2026 DRAWS 550+ RUNNERS IN LARGEST EVENT TO DATE, DONATES $100,000 TO BALLER DREAM FOUNDATION AND DISTRIBUTES $50,000 TO BALDWIN COUNTY NONPROFITS

DAPHNE, Ala. — May 16, 2026 — Ballin’ on Belrose, presented by 68 Ventures, Cox Family Foundation, the City of Daphne, and Press & Co., returned to Olde Towne Daphne on May 16, 2026, delivering its most impactful day yet.

More than 550 runners from across the Gulf Coast filled Belrose Avenue from end to end, lacing up for the Baller Dream Foundation, for brave Ballers battling cancer, and for Baldwin County nonprofits competing to earn their share of $50,000 in funding. It was the largest attendance in the event’s history, with every inch of Belrose Avenue filled with energy, purpose, and community spirit.

In its most significant act of impact to date, Ballin’ on Belrose 2026 donated $100,000 to the Baller Dream Foundation, supporting young people ages 0–29 fighting cancer. Combined with the $50,000 distributed through the Baldwin County Nonprofit Challenge, the event generated a total of $150,000 in community impact in a single day.

The atmosphere was unmistakable. Belrose Avenue transformed into more than a race course—it became a celebration of community. Runners tackled the hill while spectators cheered them on alongside live music, family-friendly activities, and a festival-like atmosphere. Every aspect of the event reflected what Ballin’ on Belrose has always represented: a community united around a meaningful cause.

NONPROFIT CHALLENGE RESULTS

Organizations competed by completing the most laps, with $50,000 in total prize money awarded:

• 1st Place: Rolling for Hope — $15,000

• 2nd Place: YMCA of South Alabama — $12,500

• 3rd Place: Bras Across the Causeway — $10,000

• 4th Place: One More Moment — $7,500

• 5th Place: Ainsley’s Angels — $5,000

“The Gulf Coast showed up in a way that stopped us in our tracks. More than 550 people on that hill—running for kids fighting cancer, running for their communities—that’s not just an event. That’s who we are as a region. Ballin’ on Belrose exists to prove that one day, one street, and one shared purpose can move mountains. We couldn’t be more grateful for our incredible sponsors and everyone who came alongside us to make this event such a tremendous success.”

— Nathan Cox, Founder & Chairman, 68 Ventures

This year’s record-breaking attendance marks a new chapter for the event and serves as a testament to Baldwin County’s commitment to showing up for those who need it most. Information regarding the 2027 event will be announced in the coming months.

ABOUT 68 VENTURES

Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a development and investment company focused on building businesses, betting on leaders, and shaping communities across the Gulf Coast and adjacent markets. Through a portfolio of operating companies and strategic partnerships, 68 Ventures invests across development, construction, and service-related enterprises, with more than $1 billion in capital deployed to date.

As the largest single-family developer in the region, 68 Ventures is a purpose-driven organization committed to creating long-term value through leadership, innovation, and community impact.

DAPHNE, Ala. — March 25, 2026 — Each spring, the Baldwin County community gathers on Belrose Avenue in Olde Towne Daphne for a unique test of endurance, shared resolve, and purpose. Ballin’ on Belrose returns for its fifth year on May 16, 2026—bigger, bolder, and with even more impact.

Inspired by the 29029 Everest Challenge, where participants climb the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest, Ballin’ on Belrose brings that same spirit to Baldwin County. While there are no mountains locally, the event centers around a demanding half-mile hill on Belrose Avenue. Participants complete 11 climbs—totaling 10.5 miles—to match the height of Everest, all within a three-hour time limit. The fastest recorded time to complete the challenge is approximately one hour and ten minutes.

Hosted by 68 Ventures, the Cox Family Foundation, Press & Co., and the City of Daphne, the event is rooted in the guiding principle of Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is required.” This belief drives the mission behind Ballin’ on Belrose—to leverage resources, create impact, and bring people together for something bigger than themselves.

“Ballin’ on Belrose is a reflection of what can happen when a community decides to show up for something bigger than itself,” said Nathan Cox. “We’ve been blessed in ways we don’t deserve, and this event is one way we try to steward that well—by creating opportunities to give back, to serve others, and to make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most. This year, we’re raising the ante because we believe the impact can and should be even greater.”

Growing Impact
The 2025 event delivered record-breaking results:
400+ participants
90 sponsors
$259,000+ raised

Building on that momentum, 68 Ventures is aiming even higher in 2026.
Proceeds from Ballin’ on Belrose support the Baller Dream Foundation, which provides life-changing experiences for children and young adults battling cancer.
In addition, the event’s Nonprofit Challenge invites organizations across Baldwin County to rally their communities and compete based on participation.

This year, organizers are raising the ante, expanding the prize pool to $50,000 across five nonprofit winners:

1st Place: $15,000
2nd Place: $12,500
3rd Place: $10,000
4th Place: $7,500
5th Place: $5,000

More Than a Race
Ballin’ on Belrose is designed for everyone—from competitive athletes chasing the fastest time to families walking a single lap together.
Whether participants complete one lap or all eleven, every step represents a commitment to community, resilience, and generosity. And whether you’re climbing the hill or cheering from the sidelines, the street party atmosphere ensures there’s something for everyone.

Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to:
Register as a participant
Sponsor the event
Support a nonprofit team
Attend and cheer on participants

“Whether you’re chasing the podium or pushing a stroller, your presence matters,” organizers shared. “This event is about showing up—for the cause, for the community, and for each other.”

Event Details
Date: May 16, 2026
Starts: 7:00 AM
Ends: Noon
Location: Belrose Avenue, Olde Towne Daphne, Alabama

Registration
To register or learn more, visit:
https://p2p.onecause.com/ballinonbelrose26

About 68 Ventures
68 Ventures is the parent company for numerous operating businesses along the Gulf Coast, focused on development, investment, and construction. Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a purpose-driven, culturally focused organization with a strong operational track record that has resulted in it becoming the largest single-family developer in the region.
68 Ventures has deployed over a billion dollars in capital and reached the ranks as one of the top 100 private home builders. For more information, visit 68ventures.com.

Mark your calendars for May 16, 2026 — Ballin’ on Belrose is back to bring the community together for fun, fitness, and a powerful cause.

This high-energy community event brings people together for a day of fun, fitness, and meaningful impact. Whether you choose to run, walk, or simply come out to support, Ballin’ on Belrose is about more than miles — it’s about making a difference. Families, friends, local businesses, and community leaders will unite for an unforgettable day that combines movement with purpose. Join us as we rally around a powerful cause and show what can happen when a community comes together. Register today and be part of something bigger than the game.

Register Now! https://p2p.onecause.com/ballinonbelrose26

PRESS RELEASE
For Media:
Kim Garrett, 68 Ventures
Director of Communications
(251) 423.9242
kgarrett@68ventures.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
68 Ventures Presents Chasing Greatness to 700 Guests in Mobile for a Powerful Day of Leadership, Authenticity, and Purpose
Speakers challenged every attendee to chase greatness beyond success — and into significance
MOBILE, Ala. — 68 Ventures presented Chasing Greatness with unstoppable momentum as 700 guests packed the room for an unforgettable day of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. The event brought together business leaders from every industry, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and community builders — all united by one message: chase something greater than yourself.
Throughout the day, a lineup of impactful speakers delivered honest, powerful messages rooted in resilience, discipline, faith, and purpose. From personal stories of hardship to lessons earned through success, each speaker called on attendees to step up, lean in, and pursue greatness with intention.
“Chasing Greatness is about more than being inspired for a day,” said Nathan Cox, Founder & Chairman of 68 Ventures. “It’s about leaving with a new standard – and the conviction to chase what you were created for. Greatness demands something from you. And it’s worth it.”
The 2026 program featured an inspiring agenda of voices, each bringing a unique message while reinforcing a shared theme: greatness is built through courage, relationships, and relentless pursuit of what matters most. 68 Ventures was truly humbled by each speaker and their gift of time and messages that left a mark on every guest in attendance.

2026 Speakers:
Mark Fernandes – Founder & CEO, Capitalism 2.0
Will Bartholomew – Founder & CEO, D1
Brad Israel – Founder & President, Warrior 360
Erin Langley – Founder, Executive Director, Artistic Director – Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre
Billy Stimpson – Co-Founder & CEO, Bienville Capital
Sandy Stimpson – Mobile’s 108th Mayor
Brodie Croyle – CEO – Big Oak Ranch
John Wayne Walding – Founder, Gallantry Global Logistics & Live to Give
Jason Poole – President & CEO, Poolemerica Enterprises
Peter Bos – Founder & Chairman, Legendary, LLC

68 Ventures also expressed deep gratitude to the many partners who helped bring the experience to life — from media partners who amplified the mission:
Bay Business News
Business Alabama
Fox 10
WKRG
To vendors and production teams who created an environment worthy of the message being delivered:
Coastal Events and Design
Revelry Bloom
SOHO Events and Rentals
Mobile Convention Center
Gwin’s Commercial Printing
Motivation Media
Stephen Savage Photography
A special thank you is extended to the incredible volunteers from Spring Hill College, whose service, professionalism, and energy played a vital role in ensuring guests were welcomed, supported, and cared for throughout the day.

Chasing Greatness 2026 wasn’t just an event — it was a call to action. From stories of hardship to moments of breakthrough, the day challenged every person in the room to stop settling, lean into the fight, and pursue significance with everything they have. As 68 Ventures Founder & Chairman Nathan Cox shared, the goal is “to see all I can do with all that I have been given… never settling, and remaining true to who I am.”
While the message from the stage was powerful, the relationships built and strengthened in the room were just as impactful — reminding us that we don’t chase greatness alone. Attendees left with renewed purpose, meaningful connections, and a clear charge: go all in, leave nothing on the table, and Keep Punching.

Speaker Content Coming Soon
In the coming weeks, videos and key moments from the stage will be released, giving attendees and those who couldn’t be in the room the opportunity to experience the message of Chasing Greatness. To stay updated and catch every release, follow 68 Ventures on social media.

Save the Date Coming Soon: Chasing Greatness 2027
68 Ventures is proud to announce that Chasing Greatness 2027 will take place in January 2027. The exact date, additional details, speaker announcements, and registration information will be shared in the months ahead.

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About 68 Ventures
68 Ventures is the parent company for numerous operating businesses along the Gulf Coast which focus on development, investment, and construction. Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a purpose-driven, culturally focused organization with a strong operational track record that has resulted in it becoming the largest single-family developer in the region. 68 Ventures has deployed over a billion dollars in capital and ranks among the top 100 private home builders in the nation. For more information, visit 68ventures.com.

November 21, 2025 (Loxley, Ala.) — At the recent Baldwin County Board of Education Superintendent’s Breakfast, community leaders, educators, and elected officials gathered for a special dedication ceremony naming the Baldwin Preparatory Academy Atrium in honor of W. Allen Cox.
Members of the Cox family joined school officials and the community in celebrating Mr. Allen Cox’s humility, generosity, and lifelong commitment to putting others before self. Throughout the dedication, Mr. Cox’s unwavering belief that the blessings we receive are meant to be shared was evident—an ethic he not only champions but consistently lives.
The Cox Family Foundation donated the 70 acres of land on which Baldwin Preparatory Academy now stands—part of more than $40 million in land contributions made to Baldwin County Public Schools. Beyond these significant land gifts, the Cox family has supported a wide range of organizations across Baldwin County, from veterans’ services to food access programs, substance-abuse recovery efforts, and numerous community initiatives focused on strengthening opportunities, restoring hope, and meeting critical needs for individuals and families across the region.
Nathan Cox, son of Allen Cox, shared a heartfelt reflection on his father:
“My father’s work has not only helped shape the landscape of Baldwin County from TimberCreek to Ono Island, but his greatest legacy has been his heart. He has poured into projects, organizations, and people that lift others up and make our County such a special place to call home. Baldwin Prep is one of those places. By naming this atrium in his honor, we recognize not only a building, but the generations of students who will walk through it and benefit from opportunities made possible in part by his belief in giving back—by his example of living out ‘others before self.’”
The dedication ceremony highlighted how Mr. Cox’s generosity and philosophy of service continue to impact students and families across Baldwin County.
BCBE Superintendent Eddie Tyler shared:
“The building we are in now at Baldwin Preparatory Academy is in part because of Mr. Allen Cox. I think it is unprecedented—I don’t think you can go anywhere in the country where you can find the type of partnerships that we have formed with our stakeholders, our businesses, and our industries. This dedication is our way of saying thank you for all you have done for Baldwin Preparatory and our school system.”

About Baldwin Preparatory Academy
Baldwin Preparatory Academy represents a transformational step forward for public education in Baldwin County. The school was built to prepare students not only to graduate, but to graduate with direction—equipped with pathways in Career, College, and Choice. Through partnerships with industry, universities, and community stakeholders, Baldwin Prep gives students hands-on experiences in high-demand fields, ensuring they can compete and contribute at a high level the day they leave its halls. It stands as a model for how bold investments in public education can shape the trajectory of both individual lives and the region’s future workforce.
Learn more at: https://www.baldwinprep.com

https://1819news.com/news/item/baldwin-preparatory-academy-atrium-dedicated-in-honor-of-w-allen-cox

SEEDS granted $58,000 in teacher grants directly into the classrooms of our Daphne students for the 2024-2025 academic year.   From hands-on STEAM labs and innovative literacy programs to creative arts, every dollar helped create a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive.  “We want to say thank you Nathan Cox and his team at 68 Ventures for investing in the education of students in Daphne,” said Beth Dunn, SEEDS Executive Director. “Without their support and investment that we receive through their Crawfish for the Classroom sponsorship, these grants would not be possible. SEEDS grants are making huge impacts in our Daphne classrooms, increasing the quality of education our students are receiving and expanding the opportunities that are available for them to learn and grow.”

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Graham Roten, senior walk-on offensive lineman at The University of Alabama, as the first recipient of the 68 Ventures Scholarship. Selected by Coach DeBoer and his staff, Graham was chosen for the values he lives out, his love for the program, and his excellence in the classroom.

Founder & Chairman Nathan Cox, a former Tide walk-on, shared: “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates at Alabama… Graham is a much better athlete than I ever was. Hearing his coaches talk about who he is as a person, his love for the program, and his academic performance makes him the perfect selection.”

Cox added: “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given… Graham embodies these commitments as well as the rest of our values. I can’t put into words how rewarding this is for me personally. My time at Alabama shaped the trajectory of my life—I will forever be grateful to be part of it.”

The 68 Ventures Scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior walk-on who represents the heart and soul of Alabama Football.

Mobile, AL [August 23, 2025] The 68 VENTURES ANNUAL GIFT was awarded to senior walk-ons who exemplifies the core values of South Alabama Football: honesty, respect, integrity and doing things the right way. These individuals have distinguished themselves as ultimate teammates—defined by unwavering dedication, selflessness, and relentless work ethic. Their passion for the game, deep love for The University of South Alabama, and daily impact on the team’s culture embody what it truly means to be a Jag. They may not have arrived as a top recruit, and will never play a down in the NFL, but they have earned the unwavering respect of their coaches and teammates alike. They are the heart and soul of the program.

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Sam Williams and Keyshawn Woodyard, both senior walk-ons at the University of South Alabama, as the recipients of the 1st Annual 68 Ventures Annual Gift. They were selected by Coach Applewhite and his staff based off the values they exemplify, their love for the program, and their contributions to the team. 68 Ventures’ Founder and Chairman, Nathan Cox, was a walk-on at the University of Alabama from 2000-2003, so it was important to him to honor players that traveled a similar path. Cox stated, “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success, both in the classroom and later in my professional life, to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates in Alabama. It crushed me to lack the ability to contribute in the same ways they could, so I made up my mind to be the best I could be in other areas to compensate for it. These young men are much more accomplished athletes than I ever was, and after hearing their stories, they are without a doubt ideal selections for what we envisioned being represented by the 68 Ventures Annual Gift.” Cox went on to say, “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given, and our ethos is to do the right things for the right reasons. Both Sam and Keyshawn embody these commitments as well as the rest of our values – I really can’t put into words how rewarding it is for me on a personal level to get to do this. While I was never a factor on the field, my time as a student-athlete shaped the trajectory of my life. We are all fortunate to have Coach Applewhite and his staff molding their players into future leaders for our community and beyond.” In addition to Sam and Keyshawn receiving this gift, University of Alabama senior walk-on offensive lineman, Graham Roten, also received a 68 Ventures Annual Gift in recognition of his unwavering love for the program and outstanding performance in the classroom.

The Foundation is Set. The Future is Now. An Update from the Cox Family Foundation and 68 Ventures:

We are honored to play a role in something truly transformative. The Cox Family Foundation is filled with gratitude to support the Nicholson Center for the Arts Revitalization Project—an inspiring effort led by Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre in partnership with the City of Daphne. With $175,000 raised and momentum building, this project is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating an extraordinary, fully equipped, and inclusive home for the performing arts. A space where voices will rise, talents will flourish, and dreams will find their stage. We believe deeply in the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and unite. This is more than a renovation—it’s a promise to the next generation of students, performers, and audiences. The Cox Family Foundation is proud to join with other incredible partners—including the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Daniel Foundation, United Bank, Swift Supply, and the City of Daphne. We’re equally proud to stand alongside 68 Ventures and Crucible Construction in bringing this shared vision to life.

To the dreamers, performers, and storytellers: This space is for you.

We can’t wait to see what you create

For over a decade, Nathan has been sharing Alignment emails – raw, real reflections on leadership, personal growth, and faith. These messages are his way of staying grounded and getting better each day, while encouraging all of us to do the same. It’s not about having all the answers – it’s about showing up and staying aligned.