Huntersville 5K, fun run set for March 9

Unity, a 5K and Kid’s Fun Run on March 9 in Huntersville, will benefit the Exceptional Children’s Department of Torrence Creek Elementary, one of the largest schools in the CMS District.

The fundraiser is sponsored by the Torrence Creek PTA and co-chaired by Becky Venegoni and Lynn Waddell. The goal is to support EC teachers and help raise money to purchase items that will be used for students who receive EC services. An exceptional child is any child with a disability, disorder, delay, behavior, sensory or attention problem, or any other issue hindering his/her learning.

“We have amazing EC teachers at our school,” said Venegoni. “Our PTA is a family, and we’ve come together to raise money to help out our kids. It’s an opportunity to raise money for additional needs and tools.”

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 1-mile Kid’s Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. Both will be held at Francis Bradley Middle School, 3345 Beatties Ford Road, Huntersville. So far, 360 people have registered for the race and kid’s fun run, and there are several sponsors and volunteers.

Venegoni said it will be a fun morning that includes entertainment with kids’ bands performing, massages for participants, and samples of tasty treats from Earth Fare.

Venegoni said her son received EC services as a younger student, and she was grateful to the department and teacher.

“I got help in my situation, and I want to give back to the department,” said Venegoni. “This is my chance to pay it forward.”

Because Torrence Creek is such a large elementary school and CMS is such a large district, Venegoni says there are limits to what CMS can purchase and it is tough for the school to fund all the things that are needed to serve EC students.

In the past, the PTA funded the purchase of items such as Hokki stools for students, an ergonomic stool that allows students to move in different directions while seated. Venegoni said it’s likely the EC department will use the money to purchase similar items that are not supplied by the district.

She said that it’s also an opportunity to educate the public about learning disabilities and how important it is for early detection. It’s also an opportunity to help teach children to be more aware, said Venegoni.

“I think it’s important for our students to learn acceptance of all the kids, regardless of what needs they have at school,” she said.

“This is what we do as a TCE family – everyone’s willing to do something and step up to help,” said Venegoni.