5K Walk/Run in Brookhaven Directly Benefits DeKalb County Elementary School

April 30, 2009 - PRLog -- 5K Walk/Run in Brookhaven Directly Benefits DeKalb County Elementary School
$19,000 raised in 2008 for Ashford Park Elementary School

ATLANTA (April 30, 2009) — The 2009 Brookhaven Bolt 5K Walk/Run is ready to raise much needed funds for one of Atlanta’s rising public elementary schools.

Runners and walkers across Atlanta will soon be pounding the pavement again for a great cause.  The 2009 Brookhaven Bolt 5k is scheduled for Saturday May 16 at 8:00am.  Produced by the non-profit 501 (c)3 Brookhaven Bolt Community Association, the event will take place in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful neighborhoods, providing race participants and spectators alike the opportunity to directly and personally support the children of DeKalb County, the third largest county in metro Atlanta.  Now in it’s second year, the Brookhaven Bolt is quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s fastest growing running events.  In 2008, 624 runners and walkers entered; this year that number is expected to double.

The beneficiary of the event is Ashford Park Elementary School.  The school with 316 students tucked into an exciting and changing residential neighborhood has witnessed a tremendous spike in community, teacher and parent involvement.  A PTA organization thrives where one hardly existed just a few years ago.  

“Ashford Park School receives only about $14,000 from the County towards classroom supplies, cleaning and maintenance products and tools, copy paper, and just about everything else that keeps our school functioning as it should” states Toni Fallon, Ashford Park Elementary Principal.  “This event is such a blessing”.

The CRCT scores for third graders have improved dramatically.  In 2006, 82% of 3rd graders met or exceeded standards.  Today that number stands at 98%.  In 2008, 82% met or exceeded state standards for math.  The state average is 70%.  In Social Studies, 100% of third graders at Ashford Park Elementary School meet or exceed the state standards.

Adds Brookhaven Bolt Race Director Bill Sluben, “This is so much more than just another fitness or community event in Atlanta.  It is about supporting a community and a school and directly benefiting the children of DeKalb County”.  “Our goal is to build an event that Brookhaven is proud of, that adds real impact to the community, and brings people together to foster a stronger neighborhood”.

The 2009 Brookhaven Bolt starts at Ashford Park Elementary School at 8:00am and finishes at Ashford Memorial Park.  The entry fee is $25 up through May 14th; $30 thereafter.  New to 2009 is a kid’s ½ mile fun run where every child who enters receives a Brookhaven Bolt t-shirt.  

For more information visit www.brookhavenbolt.com.

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The 2nd Annual Brookhaven Bolt is an exciting 5k run/walk/stroll throughout one of Atlanta's most beautiful neighborhoods. $25 entry fee gets a cool Brookhaven Bolt T-Shirt.
All proceeds will be directed to the Ashford Park Elementary School.