La Costa Heights Elementary Calls on Community, Businesses to be a Part of ‘Jog-a-Thon’

Jogging is good for your heart, and as it turns out, it can also help do wonders for our community.

This month hundreds of children at La Costa Heights Elementary will lace-up for a day of jogging, all in the name of creating a brighter tomorrow at their school.

Friday, March 30, La Costa Heights will host its annual Jog-a-Thon, an event that allows the community to pledge money in support of students who participate. The tax-deductible donation rates range from $50 to more than $1,000 — and every penny of it goes toward funding physical education, arts, music and technology instruction at the school. All of these enrichment programs depend on donations in the wake of deep state budget cuts. The need is especially great this year, which means every donation counts more than ever, says Karen Mendoza, a La Costa Heights parent and chairperson for the event.

“These kids are our community's future residents and we’re doing our best to give them a well-rounded education, but given today’s circumstances, that’s getting harder to do and we need the community’s help.”

That call for help is also extended to local businesses. The school’s PTA has business partnership packages that start at $50 and allow owners to promote their company during the Jog-a-Thon, which is also attended by parents and volunteers. Having business owners take an interest in local schools also sends a strong message to students, adds principal Leighangela Brady.

“If a child sees a professional on campus, it may be a moment that sparks an interest in that person's career path — and it tells that child that people outside of these school walls care about them,” Brady says, adding that the same message resonates with parents, too. “Given their business experience, they may also be able to explain better ways of doing some things, and we’d love to hear what they have to say. We want their investment not only in a financial way, but also through their involvement.”

Businesses that are interested in making a donation can do so now through next week. Sponsors so far include , , Mission Federal Credit Union, Target, and AmeriFirst Financial — Mike Lynch. If you’d like to donate to La Costa Height’s Jog-a-Thon, you can find a donation rate sheet attached to this article. More information about the event can also be found on the school PTA's website.