In October, the Memorial Elementary School and the Memorial Parent Teacher Organization raised over $52,000 through its recent Memorial Fun Run fundraiser.

The second annual Memorial Fun Run took place on Oct. 9, and brought together nearly 500 students, staff and cheering families for a morning of fitness, fun and community spirit on the school’s outdoor track.

Memorial Elementary School students ran, walked and rooted for each other during the school’s second annual Memorial Fun Run fundraiser on Oct. 9. Photo Courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District

 The program, organized by the Memorial PTO, serves as an exciting and healthy alternative to traditional product sales, while also teaching students valuable lessons in fitness, leadership and character. Every student was encouraged to participate and received a free event T-shirt, regardless of pledges raised.

Students collected donations online from family and friends leading up to the event. They then spent 30 minutes running, walking, skipping or dancing around the Fun Run loop during school hours. Most students completed between 30 and 35 laps as classmates and families rooted them on.

This year’s event raised more than $36,000 in direct funding and over $16,000 in corporate sponsorships, a significant increase from last year’s total of $28,000.

"We’re thrilled by the incredible turnout and community spirit at this year’s Fun Run," said Memorial PTO President Erin Valcourt. "It was amazing to see students, families, and staff come together to support our school while having so much fun. The energy, smiles, and teamwork throughout the day truly show what makes our school community so special."

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help cover field trip admission costs and transportation, as well as support in-school enrichment programming and a replacement part for the school’s playground.

"This event would not be possible without the invaluable support of our generous sponsors," Valcourt said. "We have enormous gratitude for our amazing Fun Run Committee members who spent countless hours coordinating all aspects of the event, along with our volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making this event such a huge success."

Mendon-Upton Regional School District Superintendent Maureen Cohen and Memorial Principal Wendy Bell thanked all of the students, families, staff members, and PTO volunteers who participated in this year's Fun Run.

“The Fun Run is becoming one of our favorite community traditions at Memorial,” Principal Bell said. “It brings our entire school together in such a positive way — families, teachers, and students all cheering for one another. We’re so grateful to our PTO and our community for their generosity and support.”

“This event perfectly reflects what makes the Mendon-Upton community so special,” Superintendent Cohen said. “It’s an inspiring combination of wellness, teamwork, and giving back, and I’m so proud of the Memorial Elementary School community for the joy and purpose they bring to this event. Their dedication and hard work have paid off, leading to an extraordinary fundraising effort."

This year’s 2nd Annual Fun Run was sponsored by George J. Summers Trucking Co., Hillview Equipment, Mattadoor Garage Doors & Motors, Ranger Inc., S&F Concrete Contractors, Warrior Ice Arena, Strengths Now Inc., Nipmuc Youth Football and Cheer, Jacobs Velella & Kerr PC, Holliston Oil, INIRAM Precision Machine Tool Inc., Integrated Welding, Johnny's Auto, McIntyre Loam Inc., Neuro-Access Educational Consulting, Upton Police Association, Dunton Energy Services, Durable Fence, Kenney & Conley P.C. Trial Lawyers, Maya Mexican Cocina & Tekila Bar, Moura Services LLC, Consigli Construction Co. Inc., HERS Energy Raters LLC, Imperial Chevrolet, J.C. Parmenter Inc., Ken's Pools, WW Contracting Corp, Mendon Upton Youth Soccer Association, and Techno Metal Post Franklin.

Source: Mendon-Upton Regional School District