NEW ULM - Attention runners: the Friends of ISD 88 would like you to save the date!
The group is planning an Eagles 5k and a Kids 1k run on Saturday, Sept. 22.
Dubbed "Run with the Eagles," the event is timed to be part of New Ulm High School's Homecoming Weekend, reports volunteer organizer Tamara Furth.
Proceeds from registration fees will be donated to District 88.
The Friends of ISD 88 would like the public to know about the fund- raiser well in advance, in light of runners' busy schedules, Furth adds.
The kids run starts at 9 a.m., and the adult run at 9:30 a.m., at the main school campus on South Payne Street. More information, including how to register, is coming soon to the Friends of ISD 88 web site, FriendsofISD88.org.
Furth pointed out that the upcoming fund-raiser is an example of community collaboration. Expenses for the two runs will be funded with a $2,500 grant from Allina Health Services, which promotes community health.
About eight to 10 core members of Friends of ISD 88 are active in organizing the runs, in cooperation with the high school track department.
While previous fund-raisers have focused on adults, the upcoming one seeks to involve everyone in the community, including youth, strengthening the commitment to education, Furth adds.
The organization is also planning an Oct. 27 event, "Drive One for Your School," in conjunction with Chuck Spaeth Ford; and a repeat of its biggest fund-raiser to date, last April's Eagles Extravaganza, with the ambition of turning it into an annual tradition.
"We want people to know we remain active and focused on keeping education in the public eye," Furth says.
Formed in response to last year's failure to pass a new school levy, the Friends of ISD 88 seeks to build a closer relationship between schools and the public and help relieve budget stress on the district.
The organization involves people with an awareness of educational issues: parents, present and former educators and interested members of the public.
The group has about 30 members overall, and different members get involved in planning and executing specific events depending on their own interests and strengths.
Since its inception last November, the group has held several fund-raisers, raising some $50,000 in all, including $20,000 raised during the Eagles Extravaganza alone.
The group is aware that its activities cannot eliminate the need for tax levies and a permanent fix to school finances, said Furth.
However, its efforts can help relieve stress on the classroom, supporting educational and activity programs, she says.
The funds raised so far can be seen as saving a teaching job, said Furth.