Students at Black Mountain Elementary School Organize Run to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina--Run for Hope 5K, Oct. 1, 2005, Cave Creek, AZ
Students at Black Mountain Elementary School in Cave Creek work to produce a 5K run to benefit those sufffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, 100% of proceeds to go directly to charities providing support.
Cave Creek, AZ (PRWEB) September 22, 2005
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mrs. ScherlingÂ’s class of 2nd and 3rd graders was discussing the devastation in the Gulf Coast and the studentsÂ’ reactions. They talked about the devastation and decided they wanted to figure out a way to help. They wanted to donate items, but their teacher reminded them that many agencies really need money. Their solution: the Run for Hope 5K: benefiting victims of Hurricane Katrina, October 1, 2005 at Black Mountain Elementary School (with parking at Cactus Shadows High School).
When discussing ways to make money, they students had many great ideas including car washes, bake sales and a “run”. They took a vote and the run won.
The students were familiar with the idea of a fund-raising run as their PTO already produced the very popular Desert Advocate Luminaria Run and many had participated in that. They also liked the idea because it supported their P. E. and wellness council health education curriculum.
When asked why they wanted to put this event together, the students had many reasons. “Imagine if you were living in New Orleans and your house was destroyed,” said Barrett (2nd grade). You would want people to donate money.”
“I feel very sorry for the people in the hurricane—especially the people who got separated from their mom and dad,” said Meredith (2nd grade). “What we should do is give them money to buy food, water, shelter and everything they need to survive,” added 3rd grader Jarod.
When parents started helping to organize the event, the response was overwhelming from the running community and beyond. Arizona Running Events Company donated the event timing, USA Track & Field donated the insurance, Scottsdale Running Company donated bib numbers—the list went on and on. Soon, almost every necessary item for race production was being donated so this allowed for 100% of all proceeds from the event to go directly to the organizations being supported.
The students decided to let the runners decide who they wanted to give their donations to and they are accepting donations for the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or Arizona Humane Society Rescue and Relief Fund as registration “fees” for the event. Runners will make their checks out to one of these organizations directly.
“The students are all so excited about this event,” said Lauren Scherling, their teacher at Black Mountain Elementary School. “Some cannot wait to volunteer; others are excited about passing out fliers and putting up posters; while others cannot wait to run the event themselves.” Their enthusiasm has spread to other classes at BMES and Mrs. Nechtman’s fifth grade class and others are getting into the swing of race promotion.
“The best part about the event is that EVERYTHING goes directly to the charities. There is almost no overhead cost,” continued Scherling. “The kids cannot wait for the day of the run!”
Run for Hope 5K: Benefiting the Victims of Hurricane Katrina will be held at Black Mountain Elementary School (located on 60th Street south of the Carefree Highway) in Cave Creek. Parking for the event will be at Cactus Shadows High School located on Dove Valley Road (one mile south of Carefree Highway) between 56th Street and 60th Street. For further information, visit www. arizonarunningeventsco. com, call 602-769-0848. Online registration available on Active. com.
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