Raising money can run you ragged

Danette Goulet

COSTA MESA -- Pink-faced children puffed around the field Wednesday at

California Elementary School in an effort to raise funds to pay for their

school’s science program.

It is the height of spring fund-raising season and if schools haven’t

already done a spirit run or jog-a-thon, they probably have one planned.

At California, the annual jog-a-thon event is the school’s biggest money

maker, paying for students’ weekly science program -- including the

teacher’s salary.

“It pays for all the teacher’s lesson planning, all the supplies that

they have -- everything,” said Pat Ary, co-president of the California

Education Foundation. “Any additional money pays to enhance our computer

lab.”

Last year, the students jogged $16,000 into the bank. This year, the goal

was set at $25,000, Ary said.

Each student was responsible for going to family, friends and neighbors

to get sponsors.

“I did 42 laps,” said Kelly Ryan proudly. “You just get a lot of

exercise. It’s fun to get extra exercise.”

Students were given 30 minutes to do as many laps as they could, while

parents stood by to record their efforts.

“We’re doing a jog-a-thon and I’m gonna do a thousand million [laps],”

said 5-year-old Kylee Stone.

Just in case Kylee fell short of her goal, the foundation hit the

pavement as well, in an effort to get corporate sponsors for the event.

Corporate donations were made in increments of $100, $250 and $500, Ary

said.

Every student in the school -- and even some who are not yet enrolled yet

-- participated in the event.

Running alongside 5-year-old Caitlian Roche, clutching her stuffed

Dalmatian, was Caitlain’s 3-year-old sister Julie.

“I’m gonna do four [laps],” she said, holding up four small fingers.

Julie proceeded to outrun half of her sister’s kindergarten class.

Also there to encourage students were Estancia High School football

players, who were hailed by students as heroes.

“It’s basically pretty cool running with the kids,” said Robert Arroyo, a

sophomore. “When they’re tired and stuff, it’s fun to get them to keep

running.”

If it seems like the jogging fun is over, thing again.

Still to come this year are Mariners Elementary’s Olympics-themed

jog-a-thon May 12; Killybrooke Elementary’s jog-a-thon April 7; a new

carnival fund-raiser at Kaiser Elementary on April 7; and a jog-a-thon at

Adams Elementary on an undetermined date.

All the jog-a-thons and fund-raisers are put on by school PTAs to provide

special programs for students.