By R. Vincent Tupaz
Foy Variety

USING athletics to raise funds for academics isn’t a novel idea, but it is a surefire way to raise cash money and quick.
The easiest and quickest fundraiser that’s been growing in leaps and bounds from my observation is the 5 K “fund” run/walk. Academy will have one this weekend, McDonalds next. There a potential for a cool sum of money to be made for whatever the worthy cause is and the island gets healthier by participating. I’ve volunteered at a couple of 5K’s and the sheer turnout is amazing. That people, hundreds even, would rise from their day of rest drive to the venue and then race, walk, run or trot around for 17 to 60 minutes is beyond me. Most finish in the 35 – 45 minute mark.
Within the time it takes a runner / walker to drive down, ready set go and cross the finish line, the cause is all the healthier because of the organizers. Let’s see - if 500 racers participate in a 5K that charges each $5, then the organization’s just made a cool $2500. Pretty cool for an event that lasts less than 4 hours from start to finish.
Let’s get behind these fundraisers that are proactive and fun for the entire family. A former coach and - by association fundraiser head, I know firsthand the hard work involved in raising funds for a goal of an island trip; or to help get a youngster into a school so that they could learn in a positive environment and contribute to the schools athletic successes. Sponsoring community involved activities to encourage people to support a worthwhile endeavor is the way to go. Never mind the peddling on the sides, middle or corners of a street to raise funds, that’s just a danger to pedestrians and commuters and there’s no lessons learned from that sort of organization of bucket-in-hand.
Teach the children to be creative and proactive. Host a sporting event that many can partake in. Clean a yard or two, and whatever happened to the good old fashion trash-a-thons? Did the island all of a sudden get cleaner and free of litter bugs? I think not!
Instill pride and civic lessons in our youngsters by hosting a truly worthwhile fundraiser through a means that involves the island community. The kids will learn a lesson in organization and the adults will have had a hand in promoting a cause by, “paying it forward.” This is truly on way to love your neighbor.