Runners Can Help Scholarship Fund
Release Date: Jun. 28, 2007
By: Kenneth L R. Patchen, Pioneer Press Staff Writer
Runners and walkers have a new opportunity Sunday to help raise funds for the Park District of Highland Park's scholarship fund.
The Firecracker4 offers an event on a USATF-certified course that goes from the Recreation Center at the Highland Park County Club, past Highland Park High School to the lakefront and passes through Sunset Woods Park.
This is the first year for the four-mile run or walk, said Park District Communications Manager Kelly Huegel. Funds raised will go toward the $40,000 they annually raise for SMILE.
"SMILE is our grant-in-aid scholarship program," said Huegel. "It stands for Scholarships Mean Involvement and Leisure for Everyone. The money helps families afford their child's participation in fee-based Park District programs which they might not otherwise be able to enjoy."
Other events which help support the fund include an egg hunt, SmeltFest, FourthFest, Touch-a-truck and a Haunted Hayride. This Family Fun Walk is three miles and does not require a trip down the bluff road to the beach. The companion Family Fun Run is four miles and includes a trip to the beach and back up the hill. There will be complimentary massages by Sandy Saldano's staff from Therapeutic Kneads after the race and walk.
Participants may register at a discount on-line until 5 p.m. today, at www.pdhp.org. On July 1, at the Recreation Center, registration is from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., the event starts at 8 a.m., the awards ceremony is at about 8:45 a.m., and the raffle occurs around 9:15 a.m.
This year's raffle merchandise includes a Precore Stretch Trainer from Direct Fitness; gift certificates from New Balance Shoes; individual Recreation Center memberships; a Life Fitness gymnasium bag filled with goodies; a Sunset Valley Golf Course Foursome gift certificate, Starbucks Coffee gift certificates, as well as other donations from local merchants.