NORWICH – With the bulk of winter weather behind, preparations and under way for a variety of outdoor activities in Chenango County that are focused on promoting awareness, garnering interest and drawing the community closer for a common goal.
Over the years, various organizations have sought to incorporate the giving nature of county residents with the needs of local nonprofits. This year promises to be no different, giving birth to a new opportunity for strangers and friends to gather for the benefit of the deserving.
This year, the Norwich Dollars for Scholars program has decided to run with the idea of establishing an annual 5K to assist high school students with the mounting costs associated with higher education.
The first annual Norwich Dollars for Scholars 5K Run/Walk is planned for Saturday, April 5. The starting gun will fire at Noon sharp, but participants are encouraged to arrive at 11 a.m. to register.
“We understand that this the first year for the event, but we're really hoping that we can generate a substantial attendance,” said Rachel Larsen, an organizer for the fundraiser. “We are keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature will make for a beautiful spring day. And the fact that this is the first run in Chenango county for 2014 should bring the runners long suffering from cabin fever out to the pavement as well.”
Runners will meet at the Norwich High School running track off Midland Drive for registration and preparation. The route will weave runners along a number of city streets as well as along a portion of East River Road and eventually, back to the tack for placing.
Larsen said, “The idea for the event was envisioned by our students who are active in the Norwich chapter of Dollars for Scholars program. These students thought that this would prove to be a great way to raise additional funding that will go towards college scholarships for both present and future Norwich High School students.”
The cost for registration is set at $15 for students and $20 for adults. Anyone planning on attending who would like to get a head start on registration can do so by registering online at www.active.com/norwich-ny/running/races/norwich-dollars-for-scholars-5k-2014.
In addition, paper applications are also available in student services at the Norwich High School on Midland Drive.
“We are an all volunteer community group that supports local students. This is a new event this year and we would really appreciate everyone’s support. The more people we can get to run or walk in the event, the more students from Norwich we can help,” said Larsen.
“The community has been very receptive of this idea so far; supporting us with donations in order to help get the event running, and also with items for an auction that we will be doing in conjunction with the event.”
According to Larsen, each person who runs in the event will get a registration packet which will include a free t-shirt, as well as a few tickets for the auction. All racers will be able to put tickets in for items donated by local businesses so you don’t necessarily have to win the race to get a prize.
Organizers would like to thank a number of local businesses including Sidney Federal Credit Union – a major sponsor – as well as Peggy Parker Real Estate, Laral Management, Greg LaMonica Agency, KM Coates Photography, Blueox of Oxford and the Canasawacta Country Club. All played pivotal roles in getting the initial event off the ground.
With the support of the above named companies, the organization is able to infuse all the registration fees directly to the Dollars for Scholars program.
Added Larsen, “We are looking forward to this year’s event and hope that it can become an annual one.”