FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18th | RUN FOR RICHMOND!
Pledge your runner by clicking the button below!
What is Run4Richmond?
Run4Richmond is a beloved annual fun run where students, teachers and parents all get to participate – either as runners, volunteers or as the cheering section – while generating much needed funds to help keep our school a rich, lively, engaging experience for every student.
How does it work?
Parents, guardians, grandparents, friends etc. are invited to pledge their student – either through a flat, one-time donation or as an incremental incentive encouraging kids to run as many laps as possible.
Why is flat donation an option? Isn’t the point of a fun run to tie donations to the number of laps run?
Over the years we’ve found the most efficient way to reach fundraising goals ($25,000 this year) is to solicit funds up front. However, we heartily encourage you to celebrate your runner’s success with a little extra, donation bump per lap. If an extra kicker is not your speed, how about a flat donation and an extra scoop of ice cream after the run!
So, where are the funds going this year?
This year, with guidance from Principal Eto, we’ve identified three underfunded areas which will have a significant impact on our Richmond kids’ educational experience. To dig into the nitty gritty:
- Field trips for every student! Last year there was a field trip to OMSI which was a hit! – but was also bolstered in total by federal funds which are no longer available.
- Assemblies! Pre-covid the school hosted numerous assemblies, placing special focus on the performing arts. With proper funding, we can return to that level of programming and round out the kids’ academic experience.
- Hall murals! Any capital improvements or refurbishments to the physical environment are strictly the purview of PPS. Yet, while the PTA is not allowed to undertake things like capital improvements or repairs, they are still allowed to commission beautiful murals which enliven the environment and show students what an enormous amount of care and attention are dedicated to our little community.
The mural that was completed in the entryway this past summer is a wonderful welcoming beacon to our students and we’d like to add more!
I thought that in past years, Run4Richmond was in support of teacher and administrative salary shortfalls. What’s changed?
In the past Run4Richmond was indeed sponsored by the Richmond Foundation, which was under the broader umbrella Foundation for Portland Public Schools. This organization was the only one allowed to raise funds directly to pay for teacher salaries.
Thus through Run4Richmond alone the Richmond Foundation was able to raise upwards of $45k, with up to $200k in total fundraising efforts to help plug shortfalls that would have resulted in fewer teachers and staff hours.
This past year the Foundation for PPS changed its guidelines for how monies raised could be distributed between schools. Collectively, the Richmond Foundation determined that the new guidelines would make fundraising on behalf of Richmond even more onerous and the outcome in all likelihood not very successful..
Thus the PTA has assumed the mantle of fundraising sponsor, and we are happily looking towards directly funding programs that have a direct and meaningful impact on our students.
Donating is not really an option for me right now. Is there some other way that I can help?
Sure! Soliciting donations from neighbors and friends is always available as an option – your child will be bringing home a pledge sheet which can be used to help with that.
Alternately, volunteer! We can always use more hands on deck to help pull off this event. Click on this link here: VOLUNTEER!
And, if that’s not possible, come out and cheer! The more the merrier!
If you have any questions about Run4Richmond that aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at [email protected]
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Please hit the donate button to make your flat donation for Richmond Elementary PTA’s Run for Richmond.
