Education Foundation hosts fun run event

by Amy Roby

R-C Correspondent

The Douglas County Education Foundation hosts their first Run Ed Run race on Oct. 11 at Douglas High School's Big George Athletic Complex. The high school's culinary arts department will host a pasta feed and preregistration event 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10 in the school commons. An impressive array of auction items will be on display as a prelude to the silent auction on race day.

In addition to organized runs, the family-focused fun on Sunday includes a barbecue sponsored by Lira's market, vendor booths, visits with the fire department and CareFlight helicopter, and the silent auction.

Participants can choose either a 5K or 10K course, both of which start at 9 a.m. The courses begin on the Douglas High track and continue through Park Cattle Ranch and Muller Lane, highlighting local Sierra views. Pottery students in teacher Kelley Yost's class are making medals to be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group.

Children under 10 years of age can take part in the Fun Run at 11 a.m. The barbecue and silent auction will follow.

Online registration is encouraged. A registration link and forms may be accessed through the organization's Web site at douglascountyeducationfoundation.org. You may also mail in your registration, although they must be received no later than Thursday.

In-person registration will be available at Douglas High School on Oct. 10 during the pasta feed, and race-day registrations will be accepted starting at 7 a.m. with an additional $5 fee. All adults registered by Oct. 1 will receive a free Run-Dri running shirt.

Proceeds from the event fund grants for Douglas County schools and the annual Teacher of the Year program.

Established in 1984, the Douglas County Education Foundation has raised and distributed nearly half a million dollars in curriculum enhancement grants to Douglas County schools. They also host the annual teacher of the year luncheon, which recognizes teachers who have been selected by their peers as outstanding educators. Each nominee receives a Golden Apple Award and has their name engraved on wall plaques specific to their school.

The foundation is comprised of local community members and is a completely separate entity from the school district. Income is generated through fundraising efforts and the generous support received from local individuals and businesses.

Members of the Douglas County Education Foundation thanked Ahern Rentals, Alpine Coffee, Big George Ventures, CPA Bill Johnson, Breathe Fitness, Control Installation Specialists, CalStar, CareFlight, Carson Valley Golf Course, Costco, Edgewood/Park Cattle, Fleet Feet, Guild Mortgage, Ironwood Cinemas, Karwoski Dental, Lake Tahoe Accommodations, Lira's Market, Northwest Martial Arts, Nyona's, Paradise Tan. ReMax Realty Affiliates, Round Hill Pines, Safeway, Tumbleweeds Gymnastics, World Gym, East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts and Douglas High School for their support of the fundraiser.

Foundation members encouraged residents to attend the festivities on Saturday and Sunday, even if they do not intend to run.

Organizers said the run is a great opportunity for fun and to learn more about the foundation, whose mission is to enrich and elevate the educational experience of Douglas County students and to recognize the extraordinary talents of our teachers.