Lighting the way, St. Peter school holds first Jog-A-Thon fundraiser
St. Peter Lutheran School in Arlington Heights held its first Jog-a-Thon on April 29. More than 500 people came out to support the school and join in the fun.
The event included jogging by preschool through eighth grade students, parents and alumni, bounce houses, tricycle races, music and food trucks from Toasty Cheese and Grill Chasers.
The Jog-a-Thon theme was "Light the Way" which coincides with the school's theme for the year of "You Are the Light of the World," based on Matthew 5:14. This theme was seen throughout the evening as students wore glow bracelets, had glow sticks and followed the running course which was illuminated by various colored lights.
The evening raised more than $27,000 from 678 donors and 10 sponsors. Projects to be funded in part by the 2016 Jog-a-Thon include new classroom furniture for the elementary classrooms and renovations of the building's west wing which include a new roof, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and windows.
"We've been amazed at the response and support for this event in its first year," said Brian Booth, executive director of Ministry Support. "We had about 700 donations come in, both locally and from all over the country, which will help us make major improvements to our facility. St. Peter is impacting and shaping the lives of so many young people, and this event gives an opportunity for family, neighbors, friends and community members to respond and give back in a real way.
"We're excited to build on this event to benefit our school and our community for years to come," Booth said.
Located at 111 W. Olive St., St. Peter Lutheran School serves more than 550 students, age 2 through eighth grade. The school is a 2013 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence recipient and was named an Exemplary Lutheran School in 2015.
For information, visit www.stpetermyschool.com or contact Melissa Nelson, director of Admissions, at (224) 387-3819.
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