Race for Pace Raises Funds for Local School

largest fundraiser of the year is all about community, and bringing friends and neighbors together during the Race for Pace 5K and fun walk for the whole family.

Held Oct. 15 at 9 a.m., the race goes along Greensburg Pike and into the surrounding and neighborhoods. A Paws for Pace one mile dog walk will begin at 9:05 a.m.

“It’s our one and only major fundraiser for the year and we have been doing it for 11 years,” said Kelly Uzzo, community outreach coordinator for Pace. “It started as a community event to bring awareness to who we are and what we do.”

Pace School, located just behind the building, works with children who face emotional and mental challenges to give them the best learning environment possible for their own individual needs.

The honorary co-chairs of the Race for Pace are WTAE co-anchors Mike Clark and Kelly Frey. students also will be volunteering and helping with the event.

“It’s inviting the community and bringing them here to us,” Uzzo said. “It’s a very family-friendly, community event with a dog walk that is immensely popular.”

Major sponsors of the 11th Annual Race for Pace include ING, Westinghouse, Comcast, Freeport Steel, Clayton Kendall, Citizens Bank, American Eagle Outfitters and Leeds.

A book fair will be open while pumpkins also will be available for children to decorate.

Panera donates bagels while bottled water is provided by Nutrition group.

“I am looking forward to more people,” Uzzo said. “This year, we are shooting for the 1,000 person mark.”

Registration fees for the 2011 Race for Pace or Paws for Pace are $20 per person ($15 for youth) until Sept. 30.  After Sept. 30, registration will be $25 per adult and $20 per youth.  

Online and downloadable registrations are available under the Race for Pace link at www.paceschool.org.