UMEF 5K Run/1.5-Mile Walk Helps to Put Students on the Right Path

As the newly elected president of the Upper Moreland Education Foundation (UMEF), Dan Noble could see his administration as something like a race.

In recent years, the UMEF has concentrated its efforts toward promoting technology-based education for the various Upper Moreland educational institutions or programs that the nonprofit serves.

Noble noted that the UMEF helped the Upper Moreland School District procure technology-based educational tools, such as scanner wands for the high school library, where students can save money at the copy machine by digitally scanning documents. Another example are the iPad 2s purchased for the younger grades, to aid in reading instruction.

This year, the UMEF has its sights set on starting the “Get Smart Project,” an estimated three-to-five-year process of installing interactive white boards in every classroom of the school district.

According to Noble, the estimated cost may reach up to $300,000. 

“It’s a lofty goal for us, at this point,” Noble said. “We want our students to catch up.”

UMEF efforts to raise funds started this September by contacting local businesses for donations.

In the 12-year history of the UMEF, past fundraising events included auctions and 50/50 chance raffles. However, in the last three years, the UMEF has relied more so on its popular 5K Run/1.5-mile Walk to raise funds in the recent years.

“We do like to promote the healthiness of the event,” he said of the 5K Run/1.5-mile Walk, which takes place Oct. 16.

According to Noble, the average attendance for both walkers and runners ranges from 150 – 200 people, and he expects the same turnout this year, as well.

One significant change to the event this year is the course route. Although, runners and walkers will still navigate in a course stemming from the Upper Moreland Middle School, the neighborhood streets that make up the course have been selected to make the course easier.

“It’s a little flatter this year,” he said.

The event will also feature free blood pressure screenings from Abington Memorial Hospital staff. Sonic and Wawa, sponsors of the event, will give away refreshments.  (See below for full event details)

Noble said that the event raised an average of $3,500 the last two years. The majority of funds will go toward other programs supported by the UMEF, while the remainder will help continue the “Get Smart” program.

“The UMEF is here to aid any educational program within the township,” Noble said.

He highlighted past support of local private schools, including the ; and the health-education programs of township emergency responders.

“I would really like to engage the school district and community,” Noble said, encouraging the general education community to submit grants. “We go with innovative ideas for outside the school curriculum.”

By May next year, the UMEF may host a “Race for Education,” which will involve the students of the school district, and may raise up to $20,000, during the half-day event. According to Noble, all proceeds from that event will go toward the “Get Smart” program.

----

The Upper Moreland Education Foundation 5K Run/1.5-Mile Walk

When:

9 a.m., Oct. 16.

Where:

Course starts at the .

Pre-registration:

Due by Oct. 14 (see .pdf above). Pre-registration and the race packet pickup (includes race number, t-shirt, “goodie” bag), will take place on this date at the .

Walk-ons on the day of the event are welcomed, but all participants need to register on by 8:15 a.m.

For more information, visit the UMEF website.