On Oct. 17, almost 500 East Petersburg Elementary School students participated in a fun run to raise money for enrichment activities and supplies. The event was hosted by the East Petersburg Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and was sponsored by 17 local businesses, including Son's Ice Cream, Plaskolite MXL, S. Clyde Weaver, Sporting Valley Turf Farms, Ayers Accounting, S.C. Poultry, and Lancaster County Motors Subaru.

The fun run included optional obstacles, fun music, and an opportunity to "race a firefighter" from the East Petersburg Fire Company No. 23.

The fun run raised just over $30,000 for field trips, enrichment tools and activities, and assemblies. With 47% of children who attend the school being economically disadvantaged, the fundraiser is essential to promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Denise Porambo, an East Petersburg Elementary School alumna who currently works for new sponsor Plaskolite MXL, shared her company's reason for supporting the event. "Plaskolite MXL was thrilled to be able to help support our local elementary school and support the students this year," she stated. "It's great when a community can come together and provide opportunities for our young children to experience a year full of stimulating learning and have fun while doing it. We were happy to contribute."

PTO volunteers arranged a school glow party, free Italian ice donated by Son's, and a special assembly to celebrate the entire school's achievement.

The school hosts smaller events and activities throughout the school year. For more information, contact the PTO at epes.pto@gmail.com.