1st Annual Santa Rosa Walk-a-thon raises funds for preschool

Santa Rosa’s 1st Annual Preschool Walk-a-thon was more than a walk. It included a marching zone, a giant step zone and even a skipping zone to keep 64 preschoolers interested in the event.

The Walk-a-thon involved not only students and their teachers, but also parents, who all participated on Tuesday. The morning preschool group walked from 9 to 10 a.m. while the afternoon children walked from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. on the school field. Although some parents were surprised their child made it completely around the field, their overall comments were that this was fun and a great, well-organized event.

A fundraiser for the Santa Rosa Developmental Preschool, each child’s family secured pledges during the previous three weeks. Funds raised will go toward the purchase of technology items, materials and supplies for the preschoolers.

“Native New Yorker, Train Station Inn, LLC, Ace Hardware, Southwest Sod, Maricopa Tee’s and Courtny Tyler’s State Farm Insurance sponsored our event by providing enough Scorpion Walk-a-thon t-shirts for all of the preschoolers, staff and volunteers,” said Linda Shields, Santa Rosa’s preschool secretary. Reflections Counseling, Ray Shields, donated water and ice for the event as well.

Shields, along with parents Maggie Leppert and Zulema Avis, organized the event. “This first annual walk-a-thon was a success. We just never have enough funds to provide services for these little ones,” explained Shields.Their fundraising goal was $6,000.

Santa Rosa Principal Rick Abel kicked off the event as the children headed to the start line. He rounded the field and participated in the activities led by Rayanna Rohn, the preschool occupational therapist.

Photos by Joyce Hollis and Zulema Avis