GOTR Event To Help Fund Scholarships

"It's really just a fun night for our supporters to gather and celebrate the program in a way that lifts up our girls and makes it possible for more to participate," said Sarah Yohe, director of community engagement with Girls on The Run (GOTR) of Lancaster and Lebanon, of the Kickin' Up Kindness event that raises funds for GOTR scholarships.

This year's event will be held at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, on Friday, Oct. 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will be presented by PNC Bank.

The dress code for the event is casual, and Yohe recommended wearing jeans with a splash of pink. Dinner will consist of a buffet featuring a selection of foods from Rocky's BBQ. A campfire will be located on-site for attendees to enjoy. A live band will play bluegrass music for attendees' listening and dancing pleasure, and a silent auction will be held. According to Yohe, the silent auction will feature gift certificates from local stores and restaurants, along with experiences, such as trips. "LOA Orthodontics has donated a full orthodontic treatment," said Yohe, who added that Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster (OAL) has donated their skybox at the Barnstormers' stadium with a concession gift card.

Christina Santoleri, who has long coached GOTR teams in Lancaster city schools, will speak, and a live appeal with a goal of raising $30,000 for scholarships will be given. More than 50% of girls receive financial assistance to take part in GOTR programs, and the Kickin' Up Kindness event is a major fundraiser to help meet scholarship needs.

GOTR is a youth development program that encourages confidence, character, care, connection, competence, and contributing to community. One study found that 85% of girls in the program showed gains in those areas, along with increased long-term physical activity and critical life skills.

Kickin' Up Kindness events were canceled in both 2020 and 2021, so organizers are excited to be live again this year, but tickets are limited, and they must be purchased by Wednesday, Oct. 12. To purchase tickets, readers may visit http://www.gotrlancaster.org/kicknupkindness.