District 279 Foundation's Reading is Fun 5K raises $10,000 for district media centers

On Saturday, Oct. 4 District 279 Foundation held the 15th Annual Reading is Fun 5K. The family-friendly event brought in $10,000 in donations to support media centers in Osseo Area Schools.

In the early morning hours, volunteers gathered to set up registration, event signage and water stations. This year’s new event route started at the Maple Grove Senior High School’s Crimson Stadium and guided runners through nearby neighborhoods and trails before finishing back to the stadium.

"My husband and I volunteer at the water station every year. It is such a great way to support an event that benefits our school libraries!” said Sally Kimmes, library media specialist. “My students love the hands-on learning items I have purchased with the proceeds - the Sphero indi coding cars and Botzees building and coding robots have been big hits with all ages in my elementary library.”

The event also inspired families to set goals together.

"My seventh grade son, Olin, has played basketball for several years,” said Sarah Sheen. “After last year's season ended in the spring, we set a goal to run "five 5Ks in 2025" together as a way to keep his legs fresh between basketball seasons. Over the summer, we ran four races together and the Reading is Fun 5K was our 5th, just in time for the new basketball season to start up! Running is a hobby of mine and basketball for him, so it was fun to combine our hobbies and spend time together working toward a goal."

Participants enjoyed warmups before the 1K and 5K led by Jazzercise instructors, a mascot race, a 1K race around the track and cheers from Park Center High School: An IB World School cheerleaders at the start and finish line.

"The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta enjoyed our time participating in the Reading is Fun 5K in honor and memory of our sister Ternesha Burroughs." said Kenyata Norful, Teacher ADSIS Interventionist.

Year after year, District 279 Foundation’s Reading is Fun 5K continues to bring the community together in support of students in Osseo Area Schools.