Some Oakdale educators are sending out an “S.O.S.” to help Oakdale schools. The Support Oakdale Schools (S.O.S.) Family Fun Run/Walk event has been organized in conjunction with the Oakdale Educational Foundation (OEF) to raise money for schools in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District.
The 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk fundraising event will be held Saturday, March 20 with the races beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Cloverland Elementary School.
A few teachers and school administrators in the district have become avid runners, participating in various races, half marathons, and marathons throughout the state.
“Whether you are an amateur or pro, running in a race is an exhilarating experience,” said Cloverland Principal Stacey Aprile.
She and her husband Sierra View teacher Jeff Aprile came up with the idea for the S.O.S. fun run/walk while on their way to participate in the Wharf to Wharf race in the Bay Area.
“We especially enjoyed being a part of the Wharf to Wharf 10K race, which promotes the health and fitness of the youth of Santa Cruz County through race proceeds,” recalled Stacey Aprile. “As educators, parents, and community members, we decided to create a similar fun fitness event in Oakdale, with proceeds to benefit Oakdale students.”
They shared the idea with fellow runners and like-minded individuals to form the S.O.S. committee. Aprile said that they have three main goals: 1) fundraise for Oakdale students; 2) promote health and fitness; 3) develop a family event that allows for participation by all community members, including students.
The S.O.S. committee is comprised of the Apriles and other educators David Kindred and Judy Alvey, and Oakdale schools supporters Brenda Kindred, Matt Hanko and Frank Clark. The OEF is assisting with this fundraising event and will distribute the money raised through the foundation when it provides teacher grants to benefit Oakdale students.
“We just wanted to put on a run and raise money,” Fair Oaks Principal David Kindred stated simply.
Aprile explained that the event is a family-friendly venue in which one can walk, run, or race. Medals will be awarded by gender three-deep for both the 1-mile and 5K races across age groups, along with overall race awards.
“Registrants receive a commemorative race T-shirt and the great feeling of knowing that their $25 registration fee supports Oakdale students through the Oakdale Education Foundation,” Aprile said.
Fleet Feet, a store that caters to runners and fitness enthusiasts, is sponsoring the runners’ bibs and packets. Kindred added that the City of Oakdale, OEF, OJUSD, and the Oakdale Police and Fire departments have all played a role in the planning for the event as well.
Registration forms are available at all Oakdale schools, the school district office or online at www.active.com and search for SOS run, or go directly to www.active.com/running/oakdale-ca/sos-run-5k-and-1-mile-2010.
