Building Character, Fitness At Richer Elementary School

MARLBOROUGH, MA—Submitted by Marlborough Public Schools. When it comes to running for fun and raising funds for their school, Richer Elementary School students are champions. For the first time, Richer worked with Boosterthon, a fundraising organization developed by Chris and Lyndie Carneal. The founders’ goal was profound, yet simple: to reinvent fundraising for elementary schools by implementing an inclusive fitness program for all students that teaches character and leadership skills. And for over 15 years, Boosterthon has helped elementary schools all over the country do just that.

Every team member that Boosterthon hires undergoes a thorough interview process to ensure they possess the organization’s five core values: Integrity, Enthusiasm, Leadership, Results Oriented, Community Minded.

This year, Richer worked closely with Boosterthon to develop a powerful 9-day fundraising program that kicked off with a Pep Rally and continued with a Fun Run on March 5. Students in each class ran with their class at an awesome “glow run” complete with d.j., lighting, glow accessories and spirited music. Students ran laps around a track and families gathered pledges from people they know.

“Our goal was to raise $10,000 for school improvements, additional cultural arts events, and classroom equipment,” stated Kristen Mikula and Stacey Reynolds, PTO Co-Chairs, “however, we exceeded this goal and raised over $13,000! We asked the Fun Run experts at Boosterthon to power our Fun Run and make it more profitable, easier, and fun, and they certainly did!”

In addition to the successful Fun Run fundraiser event, Richer students will also experience an amazing character theme, CASTLE QUEST! an English castle theme all about being brave and living with character. On their quest to regain Bravemore Castle, students will learn the “SIX VIRTUES of a TRUE HERO” from a cast of colorful characters. Each day during the student’s lunch, a new character trait will be revealed during a continuing “Castle Quest” video series.

“This is a fun, exciting, and community building event for our students,” stated Robert Skaza, Principal, “and we are grateful to our parent and family community for supporting this significant fundraising program.”

Photos Submitted: Five photos of students and Boosterthon staff at the Richer Fun Run event