Spring Branch Education Foundations Hosts 2016 Running for the Arts

Alexia L., a 6th grader at Northbrook Middle School, created the winning entry for the 2016 Running for the Arts artwork contest.

Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) will host the 24th annual Running for the Arts 5K (RFA) on Saturday, Apr. 30, at Memorial City Mall outside JC Penney. Competitive runners will begin at 8 a.m.; 5K walkers will follow. The Kids K (1K) non-competitive run for participants in eighth grade or younger will begin at 9 a.m.

“Families, as well as competitive runners, return for this event year after year,” said Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “Running for the Arts has become a community festival that’s not to be missed. Our students are learning that exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle and that it can be fun.”

A Good Time for a Good Cause
SBEF uses the day’s proceeds to provide cultural arts field trips for SBISD students in grades one through eight. Students experience visual and performing arts in Houston’s premier arts venues. Many hear the Houston Symphony or visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for the first time.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the Health Fitness Teachers Association. Members help organize the event. The Association sponsors student scholarships for college, teacher scholarships for professional development and community awareness programs.

Register Today
Runners/walkers may download registration forms or register online at www.runningforthearts.com. Information is also available at www.facebook.com/sbisdspringbrancheducationfoundation and at all SBISD schools. Registration fees, which include a t-shirt and race packet, begin at $20 per person for participants 18 years and younger, $25 for adults. Fees increase in $10 increments on Apr. 28 and at packet pick-up.

Community members are invited to be a Student Sponsor at the $275 level (10 SBISD students) and $125 level (five SBISD students). Download a form at http://runningforthearts.com/sponsors/.

“Saturday Sleep In” sponsorships are $70 prior to Apr. 27 and $80 after. These sponsorships include four Running for the Arts t-shirts, and four registrations count toward a selected school in the Highest School Participation Contest. T-shirts should be picked up during the packet pick-up times.

Race packet pick-up is scheduled at Memorial City Mall’s food court area on Thursday, Apr. 28, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, Apr. 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and on race day, Saturday, 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Runners should pick up packets early for best selection of t-shirt sizes. There will be no late registration on Saturday.

Volunteer to help with the event by visiting www.runningforthearts.com or by calling 713.251.2381.

Fun for Everyone
In addition to the run/walk, children will enjoy jump rope and hula hoop contests, face painting, a bean bag toss and other fun activities. SBISD performing arts groups, including a marching band, jazz ensembles and singers, will perform throughout the morning.

All participants are invited to the awards ceremony outside the Mall’s food court entrance. Runners will be treated to an after-race party, thanks to generous donations by SBISD Child Nutrition Services, SBEF and community merchants.

Awards 
Male and female overall winners will each receive $300 gift certificates, and overall male and female master (over age 40) winners will receive $200 gift certificates provided by Memorial City Mall.

The SBISD school with the highest participation will win gift certificates, $500 each, from Young Audiences of Houston and Academy Sports & Outdoors. All other SBISD schools with at least 10 participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of two prizes: a gift certificate from Young Audiences of Houston or from Academy Sports & Outdoors.

All registered runners and walkers will be eligible for numerous door prizes from community merchants. Winners must be present.

Community Support
The community is generous in its support of Running for the Arts and SBISD students. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Memorial City Mall; ER24-7Plus/AOK Medical Center; Mallory and James Shaddix; Children’s Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center; Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP; Phillips 66; Magness Orthodontics; First Community Credit Union and MidSouth Bank. Other sponsorships are available; visit www.runningforthearts.com.

Running for the Arts is sanctioned and certified by the USA Track and Field Association. For more information, call 713.251.2381.

Available for Interviews:
Running for the Arts organizers and participants

About Spring Branch Education Foundation
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $9 million to the district. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

About Spring Branch Health Fitness Teachers Association
The Association is a collaboration of health fitness specialists and instructors providing support for the learning community through continuous professional development, public relations, community service and the promotion of a healthy life style. SBHFTA supports and encourages a community culture of wellness.