Jog-a-thon raises $22,000

Amy R. Spurgeon

COSTA MESA--More than 1,300 students at Kaiser Elementary huffed and

puffed their way around a makeshift course Friday in an annual

jog-a-thon, all in the name of school spirit.

They raised $22,000 from parents, relatives and neighbors, which will go

toward enrichment programs at the school.

The entire student body took part in the 3 1/2-hour event, including

those enrolled in a program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Participants ran in nine waves of 200 to 250 each and completed either 1-

or 6-mile tracks, said event co-chairman Geoff Furman.

The jog-a-thon was the school’s second fund-raising event this spring.

Last month, students, parents and faculty members put on a spring

carnival.

The theme of this year’s jog-a-thon was “The World Around Us.” Students

spent weeks before the event painting posters, which were placed around

the course Friday, related to that theme.

“The main function of this event was to raise school spirit,” Furman

said. “Raising the money was secondary and very nice.”

Parent Chris Ohlhaver helped organize and put on the event.