CLARKS SUMMIT — Residents of the Abingtons and beyond can help fund student activities by lacing up their sneakers.
Members of the Newton-Ransom Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will host a 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run, for students in fourth grade or younger, at Abington Heights Middle School Sunday, Oct. 23.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., the fun run kicks off at 8:30 and the 5K will start at 9. The cost to participate in the 5K is $25 or $15 for Newton-Ransom Elementary students. The fee for the fun run is $15.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to the students and will help supplement the costs associated with field trip admission fees, classroom parties, field day activities, school supplies and other supplemental materials and experiences.
The races are meant to be a family-oriented activity and Marissa Zang, race co-director, said several parents plan to walk with their children.
The 5K race will follow the same route used by the Abington Heights High School cross country team.
“It’s really challenging and hilly, but it’s still fun,” co-director Megan Azar said.
Azar added members of the Abington Heights varsity and junior varsity cross country teams plan to donate their time during the event by assisting people along the course, handing out water and helping with race preparation.
According to Zang, the PTO has already received nearly $3,000 in sponsorships with many $100 and $300 donations.
“It seems like people are a lot more willing to give to schools in their community versus other organizations,” Azar said.
Zang added 70 people have already signed up for the event, ranging from young children to senior citizens, and she expects more to register leading up to the races.
“It seems like it’s going to be a great turnout for the first year,” PTO Treasurer Debbie Musgrave said.
While the school conducts several other fundraisers throughout the year, members of the PTO wanted to give the students an opportunity to have a bigger role.
“We do T-shirt and chocolate sales but the kids aren’t really involved, it’s more the parents,” Zang said. “We wanted to get the kids involved in doing things and start a tradition at the school.”
Zang’s overall goals for the event are to raise money for the school and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Volunteer Jody Price brought up the idea a few years ago and it has now come to fruition.
“She participates in Ryan’s Run, to benefit Allied Services, and is big into running marathons,” Zang said. “She thought it would be a good fundraiser for the school.”
Moriah Peters and Brooke Schiari are serving as the other race volunteers.
For those who cannot participate in the event, but would still like to donate, visit bit.ly/2dSxeSv or send a check, made payable to NRPTO, to the Newton-Ransom Elementary School, 1549 Newton Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit.
