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CES wins CIS Beach Fun Run
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Thursday, November 5, 2009 1:58 PM EST |
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| Callahan Elementary students celebrate after learning they had the top participation at the CIS Back to School Fun Run/Walk. Photo by Ed Hardee
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NCR Staff Report
Callahan Elementary School students ran and laughed their way toward the goal of winning $1,000 during the second annual Back to School Beach Fun Run/Walk for Communities in Schools Oct. 17.
Hundreds of students, teachers and family members from across Nassau County converged on Peter's Point Beach as Big-O Productions provided accompaniment for all to sing the National Anthem before the race and motivating music throughout the event. Race Marshal Aaron Bean called competitors to the beach and the Fernandina Pirates fired the starting guns for an event designed to bring all ages together for a healthier lifestyle.
Exhausted runners and walkers enjoyed free food and beverages while Rick Keffer joined Aaron Bean to draw bib numbers for loads of prizes donated by local merchants. And finally, the $1,000 prize everyone was awaiting was announced by Susan Milana, CIS executive director. With 75 entries, Callahan Elementary won $1,000 for the greatest participation. Second and third place went to Yulee Middle School and Fernandina Beach High School respectively.
Alma Bailey, Callahan Elementary physical education teacher, coordinated participation of the school's Run/Walk Club members, parents and faculty/staff in this fun event.
"I'm always looking for fun ways to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle for our kids and this was a perfect opportunity. Award funds will be used to support additional fitness activities," Bailey said.
Phyllis Helmes, fundraising committee chair for CIS and creator of the Beach Run, "could not have been happier" with the participation this year as it doubled from the inaugural year. Co-leader for the event, Liz Kawecki of YYoga and Amelia Island Runners, provided CIS with the leadership and expertise to make this a safe and positive event.
All proceeds benefited Communities In Schools of Nassau County, Inc., a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping our youth succeed in school, graduate and prepare for a positive and productive life.
Top tier funding sponsors for this year's event included Baptist Medical Center Nassau, First Coast Community Bank, the Nassau County Record, the News-Leader, Rick Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Wal-Mart. Milana said the event could not have been successful without the more than 100 additional sponsors, donors and volunteers.
For more information about CIS, call 904-321-2000.
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