CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Area Middle School physical education classes recently held a fundraiser to help other students who are battling cancer.
The idea started when Teacher John Jacob was asked to run the Baltimore Marathon by the charity, “Cool Kids,” located in Baltimore, MD. This will be his fifth running of the Baltimore Marathon. However, it will be the first time he has run for one of the charity organizations that participate in the event.
Jacob’s younger sister, Emily George, introduced him to Katie Bennett, the Community Relations coordinator for the “Cool Kids” organization. She told him about her organization and how the fundraiser works in conjunction with the Baltimore Running Festival.
Jacob’s initial attempts at fundraising were through family and friends who helped raise approximately $500. Then, with the help of colleagues Nate Glunt, Kelly Kaskan and Fred Redden, a fundraising plan was put together at the Clearfield Area Middle School. Students were asked to find someone who would sponsor them to run a mile in physical education class. In each of the classes, the teachers collected and totaled the money raised. Awards were given to classes and students who collected to most money and ran the fastest mile.
In return for their efforts, Jacob would represent the Clearfield Area Middle School students in the 26.2 mile race. Each class brought in approximately $30-$40 dollars for a grand total of $1,320.91.
The participation of the students was amazing. Initially, the thought was to ask for a $1 donation from each participating student, but the idea evolved into just a donation. It was amazing how the event created a sense of community within the physical education classes and school, said Jacob.
“The participation and spirit from the students was something that we had not seen in our classes before. There were students cheering for each other or running back to help someone who had not finished,” added Jacob. “Kids helping kids was the main goal of the program, but it was amazing to see our own supporting one other as a way to help ‘Cool Kids.’”
On Oct. 12, Jacob holds up his end of the bargain by competing in the Baltimore Marathon. His run for charity and for the “Cool Kids” makes the day very special and one that he will never forget. If you would like to join Jacob and the students and staff of the Clearfield Area School District in this fundraising effort for “Cool Kids, “ please make you contribution here.
In closing, Jacob would like to thank everyone for their efforts and contributions with high hopes that his finish at the marathon will be overshadowed by the efforts of the students and community members who contributed to the cause.
