2015 McGilvra Runathon activates local community

This year, the McGilvra Elementary School PTA has announced that its annual Runathon, the school’s biggest fundraiser and the only one driven by students, will look a little bit different.

Now, any student who raises more than $50 will receive a coupon book good for a number of free items from area Madison Park businesses, including Bert’s Red Apple, Starbucks, Park Postal, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase and HomeStreet banks.

The idea is to give kids tangible rewards for their commitment to their school and give them opportunities to support neighborhood businesses with their families.

It’s all part of a new mantra for the McGilvra Runathon — POOF:

•Physical fitness — Do your best and challenge yourself to be healthier and stronger;

•One McGilvra — Support everyone to do his or her best with good sportsmanship, because every donation counts;

•One community — Mutually support education and local merchants; and

•Fiscal fitness — Make a real difference by taking action. Every donation counts.

The money raised will fill in funding gaps at McGilvra Elementary School (1617 38th Ave. E.), and pay for much-needed services and curriculum for teachers and staff, including art, music, technology and learning specialists.

The McGilvra PTA asks neighbors and community members to be on the lookout for kids in the community who will ask for donations in late September and early October. The PTA has set a goal of $60,000, and contributions will not be tied to individual kids’ lap counts — any donation will make a difference.

The Runathon will take place on Oct. 16 at McGilvra Elementary School. To volunteer, make a donation or to be included in the coupon book as a merchant, email fundraising@mcgilvrapta.org.

SIAN WU is a McGilvra Elementary School parent.