'Record-Breaking' Fundraiser Raises Money For Morris Plains Schools

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — Members of the community turned out for the seventh annual Strides for Education 5K Run/Walk last month, earning a record amount of money for the local school district.

The 5K, which is organized by the Education Foundation of Morris Plains (EFMP), netted a grand total of $14,600 for various innovative educational programs in the Morris Plains School District, the EFMP announced.

According to officials, it was the largest profit ever for the EFMP, an all-volunteer organization that raises funds for educator grants that are outside the district’s operating budget.

“We were delighted to host our biggest race yet, with 294 runners signed up,” EFMP Race Director Sally Deeney said. The race featured 13 teams competing for the Biggest Team Prize and Most Spirited Team Prize, which were won by the Rotary Friends of Jack Doherty and Morris Plains Soccer, respectively. “We also had tremendous support from local businesses and had 32 paid and eight in-kind sponsors,” Deeney said.

The Morris Plains Police Department was also on hand the day of the 5K to ensure runners’ safety, as was the Morris Minute Men EMS squad.

The Strides for Education 5K Run/Walk is a USATF-certified fast, flat course through the streets of Morris Plains. Runner Steven Monteleone took first place with a time of 17:6:2. The top female racer was Maria Mahoney, with a time of 19:57:4.

A full list of race results can be found at www.RunSignUp.com.

The EFMP will have donated more than $150,000 to the Morris Plains School District by the end of this school year. The money was raised through a variety of community-building, generation-spanning events, such as the Morris Plains Garden Tour, Marvelous Homes of Morris Plains House Tour, Harlem Wizards vs. Teachers basketball games and other activities.

“Through grants from the Education Foundation of Morris Plains, our students have access to a state-of-the-art TV studio, STEAM lab equipment, a dance-artist-in-residence, and much more,” Morris Plains School District Superintendent Mark Maire said. “We’re grateful to all the committed volunteers and community for their unceasing support of excellence in education in Morris Plains.”

To learn more about the EFMP and how to donate or volunteer, visit, www.EducationFoundationmp.com.