March 20: Perris Elementary 5K Run for Fun
Event organizers expect between 400 and 500 school children and their parents to take part in the first-annual Perris Elementary School District 5K “Fun Run” to raise money for academic scholarships and to focus attention on the tragedy of child abuse.
The March 20 “Day of the Child” event, sponsored the City, the March of Dimes, Rotary International and the school district, takes place at the Orange Empire Railway Museum at 2201 A Street. More information about the Fun Run is available on the attached flyer.
Allyson Mallory, Assistant Principal of Good Hope Elementary School and one of the Fun Run coordinators, said she is pleased with the response so far. Her school has signed up 85 runners. Park Avenue Elementary School has signed up 115.
“It makes you feel good that everyone is participating and getting involved in this healthy activity,” she said.
Perris Mayor Daryl Busch and Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley are expected to attend the opening ceremonies of the Fun Run. Busch said the Fun Run will be part of a day of activities at the museum, which also includes a deejay and refreshments.
Busch said the 2009 Day of the Child drew more than 1,000 people.
“It was our first event and it was tremendously successful,” Busch said. “We hope to do even better this year. It is very important to highlight the issues of child abuse and neglect. I am pleased and proud to be part of this important event.”
City Councilwoman Rita Rogers said she will also be at the Orange Empire Railway Museum to lend support. Funds from the Fun Run will support children and the March of Dimes, which for 75 years has been dedicated to preventing premature birth and related birth defects. Rogers serves as a Division Chair for March of Dimes.
“It’s critically important we support these vital programs,” she said.