Butterfield Trak-a-thon gets students running to raise funds

Submitted by Libertyville Elementary Schools 70

Despite rain all week, the sun came out for the third annual Track-a-thon fundraiser held at Butterfield School, 1441 W. Lake St., Libertyville, earlier this month.

It is the largest fundraiser for the school with 457 students. It is the only fundraiser held during a school day in Libertyville School District 70.

"Wow, what an amazing day to be outside" said Jennifer Khan, Butterfield Family Association president, after rainclouds hovered over the Libertyville School during the week. "We want to thank all the volunteers and the parents and grandparents that came to cheer on their Bulldog."

The event was held strategically on the safe and dry paved area around the school which Khan said she mapped out the night before. The entire event is sponsored by parents at Butterfield School, who raised $17,000 the first year and $14,000 last year. Students track how far they walk and run to raise money. The group added online payment this year and already had $6,000.

"We still have a long way to go before we reach our goal," Khan said.

Donations collected this year will go toward "teacher wishes," she said, such as classroom whiteboards, a world drum system, new sports jerseys and flexible seating in the classrooms.

Older students in third through fifth grade walk one-fourth of a mile, while younger students in kindergarten through second grade walk one-tenth of a mile.

The event focuses on health and exercise and school pride.

"As a first-year teacher at Butterfield, I was blown away with this event," second-grade teacher Riley Paulus said. "The energy and positivity the school experienced together this morning was like nothing I've seen before. Having parents and community members come out to cheer on the students really amplified the love that Libertyville shares."

• To submit Your news, go to dailyherald.com/share.