Walk-a-Thon

Every year, schools all across America hold fundraisers.  Their students are asked to go out and sell their friends and families trinkets or food or miscellaneous items for which they probably have no use, all in the hopes of raising the much needed funds that schools today need!  This year, the 8th graders were asked to help think of a fundraiser that would not only raise funds but also not require overdue time and commitment from the parents who would be asked to actually drive the fundraiser.  So Mason and some of his friends came up with a "Quattro de Mayo" celebrations.  The fundraiser would be in two parts:  first a walk-a-thon, then a school carnival after.  They utilized that park directly next to the school for the walk-a-thon, and the school grounds for the carnival, where local businesses sold their goods.  It was a HUGE success - and raised quite a bit of money - for little money to make the event possible!  I joined the boys for the walk-a-thon portion with Arie in the stroller.  It was a lot of fun, and LOTS  of kids with their parents participated!  We walked for two hours total - each time the kids passed the checkpoint, they would add a bead to the string they were given at the beginning of the event.  That helped them keep track of the laps they did!  Arie and I (because we arrived late) completed 14 laps together.  Mason and his friends completed 21 laps and Zach and his friends completed 26 laps.  It was a lot of fun!  I was super proud of Mason for working so hard on this event, and making it a reality.  Of course he had lots of help too!

Mom and Mason - Mason complete with Chevy's sombrero!

Zach and his friend, Mateo, making their way to the checkpoint.

Arie had lots of people that wanted to push her around the track - including Sugar Mama - aka, Auntie Paula!

 The Gonzalez kids were there with Sugar Mama - this is Celia who even ran every other lap!

And here is Olivia at the checkpoint, adding another bead to her string!

Here's Arie showing off the beads that she and I have earned!  They also had plenty of water and sliced apples for the walkers.  Arie found the apples after about the 5th lap!  From there on out, we had to get 2 apple slices, along with our bead!  Needless to say, between the apples and water - she had TONS of energy at the end of the walk-a-thon!  It was a great day and a great event!