By Tamas Mondovics
Raising funds for a good cause can take many forms, often including a locally organized fun run. That is just what Lithia Springs Elementary School (LSES) students and teachers did, coupled with a twist by making it a bit colorful, in support of Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation, which was formed to provide monetary and spiritual support, encouragement and love to Tampa-area families facing the challenges that cancer diagnosis can bring.
Entitled Color Run, the event was created as a community service project for the LSES students to be able to give back to those in need during the holiday season.
The Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation was founded by Dirk and Sherry Tucker, whose 8-year-old boy Zach, a former LSES student, lost his battle with cancer in 2006.
LSES was pleased to announce that thanks to its participating teachers and the willingness of its students, the school was able to raise $1,711 for the foundation during the run, prior to the winter break.
The event was organized by Zach’s teacher Nancy Nowakowski, who was more than happy to get her students involved with the effort to support the foundation and subsequently many other families facing the challenges of dealing with cancer.
“The kids came out on their break time to run laps on the school’s new track, while many were willing to have color sprayed on their shirts for a small donation,” Nowakowski said adding, “The students that participated from Kindergarten through fifth grade had a blast. They loved making their shirts as colorful as possible.”
Nowakowski emphasized that the students felt proud to wear and display their Color Run shirts, all while knowing they made a difference in the life of a family that has a child battling cancer.
Pleased with the school’s generosity and willingness to support the foundation, Sherry said, “Lithia Springs has always been a great supporter of our foundation. Zach’s story is still shared in many ways at the school and we continue to be overwhelmed with the support and generosity.”
For more information, visit www.givinghopethroughfaith.org.
