Moo've It 5K Raises More Than $18,000 For Schools, Special Olympics

From the Cherokee County Educational Foundation:

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA - The second annual Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series Moo’ve It 5K & Fun Run raised $18,776 for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) and the Cherokee County Special Olympics.

Proceeds from the event, which was held August 6 in downtown Canton, were presented by Cherokee County Chick-fil-A operators to CCEF and Special Olympics representatives during a recent CCEF meeting at Carmel Elementary School.

The money raised will greatly benefit the Cherokee County School District, as CCEF donates all of the funds it raises to teachers, students and schools.

“Chick-fil-A cares about the families of Cherokee County, and supporting our public schools is an important way to show how much we care,” said Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A of Canton, who organized the run with his fellow local operators. Mr. Williams also serves on the CCEF Board of Directors and as its fundraising chairman. “The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is making a difference in the lives of students and teachers, and the Special Olympics provides many children and adults with opportunities to shine. We’re so proud our community continues to join us in helping these two great causes.”

For the second year in a row, Teasley Middle School was awarded a $1,000 grant by CCEF for winning first place for the highest participation in the 5K, with Creekview High School awarded $500 for the second-highest participation. The Foundation offered the grant as an incentive to encourage teachers, parents and students to participate in the event. The presentations were made by Mr. Williams and CCEF Secretary and Awareness Chairwoman Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia.

New to this year’s event was a Spirit Booth area with entries coordinated by school PTA units. The prize for the most spirited entry was a $500 catering credit from the Chick-fil-A operators, and Teasley Middle School also claimed this prize.

Southeast Restoration Group served as the event’s presenting sponsor. Gold sponsors were: Cherokee Ford, Credit Union of Georgia, Northside Hospital-Cherokee and The Home Depot. The Third Annual 5K and Fun Run date already has been set: August 12, 2017.

The Foundation's next fundraiser is the Fourth Annual CCEF Golf Classic on October 31 at Hawks Ridge Golf Club. Sponsorship and foursomes are available. For questions or information, please contact cceducationalfoundation@gmail.com or see the website www.cherokeecountyeduationalfoundation.org.

Photo 1: Chick-fil-A Operators of Cherokee County recently presented $18,776 in proceeds from the Moo’ve It 5K & Fun Run to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and Cherokee County Special Olympics. From left to right: Scott Hall of Chick-fil-A; CCSD adaptive PE teachers Jennifer Merges, Amy Aenchbacher and Dave Martinez, representing Cherokee County Special Olympics; Keith Booth and Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A; CCEF Board Members Secretary Amanda Arnold, Debbie Rabjohn, Executive Director Angela Kuter, Kathy Strom (Cherokee County Council PTA President), Kyla Cromer (School Board Chair), Mark Waterbury and Tony Baker.

Photo 2: Carmel Elementary School hug the Chick-fil-A Cow before the check presentation.

Photo 3: Carmel Elementary School students meet the Chick-fil-A Cow before the check presentation.

Photo 4: Cherokee County Educational Foundation Fundraising Chairman Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A of Canton, left, and Secretary and Awareness Chairwoman Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia present Creekview High School Principal Mark Merges with a $500 grant for the second-highest participation in the Chick-fil-A Connect Race Series Moo’ve It 5K & Fun Run. The event raised funds for CCEF and the Cherokee County Special Olympics.

Photo 5: Cherokee County Educational Foundation Fundraising Chairman Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A of Canton and Secretary and Awareness Chairwoman Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia, center, present Teasley Middle School Principal Dr. Sue Zinkil, far left, students and staff with a $1,000 grant for the highest participation in theChick-fil-A Connect Race Series Moo’ve It 5K & Fun Run. The event raised funds for CCEF and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. This is the second consecutive year that Teasley MS has won the top prize for participation.

Photo 6: Cherokee County Educational Foundation Fundraising Chairman Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A of Canton and Secretary and Awareness Chairwoman Amanda Arnold of Credit Union of Georgia, at right, present Teasley Middle School Principal Dr. Sue Zinkil, far left, students and staff with a $1,000 grant for the highest participation in theChick-fil-A Connect Race Series Moo’ve It 5K & Fun Run. The event raised funds for CCEF and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. This is the second consecutive year that Teasley MS has won the top prize for participation.

Photos courtesy of Cherokee County Educational Foundation.