Color Run & Market Day Attracts Crowd of 400

Last Saturday’s one mile “color run” and market day attracted a crowd of more than 400 intermediate grade level students from Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School and their families.

The festivities played out on the Jack Abrams School athletic field. A “color run” consists of participants running a pre-determined distance as event volunteers throw colors at them as they pass. It has become a popular fundraising device.

“The day is not only a celebration of Huntington pride and unity but an opportunity for our students to engage in service learning,” Jack Abrams School Principal Donna Moro said. “Service learning is an important learning opportunity for our students. It instills a sense of purpose and a connectedness to our community. It builds responsibility and introduces our students to civic engagement.”

Runners gave a $5 contribution. The monies raised by the run and by a dunk tank at the site have been earmarked by the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School contingent for donation to the Junior Welfare League to provide camp opportunities for Huntington students.

In addition to raising money for JWL, after the run, STEM School students had a fundraising competition raising a combined $1,400 for the Make-a-wish Foundation, Helping Hands Mission, Tri-CYA and Ollie's Angels Animal Rescue,” Ms. Moro said.

“The color run and market day was a great day, full of unity, school pride and giving back to the community,” Woodhull Principal Stephanie Campbell said. “At the community market day, which followed the run, Woodhull sold items designed and created by our fourth grade students through the Learners Who LEAD program. They made friendship bracelets, canvas art, pet blankets, upcycled flower vases, bowls, coasters, pencil toppers, and ran a lemonade stand.”

The Woodhull students raised hundreds of dollars and chose to donate the funds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ocean Conservancy and Last Hope Animal Rescue.

One of the crowd favorites was the dunk tank. Students lined up for a chance to hit the target and soak Ms. Moro, Ms. Campbell and deans Katie Reilly and Anel Tineo with a bucket of water.

“By the end, we were all completely drenched, but it was well worth it,” Ms. Campbell said. “That activity alone raised nearly $500, which will also be donated to the Junior Welfare League to help provide summer camp opportunities for Huntington students.”