More than 500 children, teachers and faculty members at East Petersburg Elementary School participated in a fun run on Oct. 4 to raise money for enrichment activities and supplies. The event was hosted by the East Petersburg Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and sponsored by 20 local businesses, including SON's Ice Cream, Costello Builders, S. Clyde Weaver, Sporting Valley Turf Farms, Ayers Accounting, S.C. Poultry, Lancaster County Motors Subaru and Weaver Construction.

The PTO aims to increase school, home and community interaction to ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to make learning fun and exciting. The fun run is the nonprofit's largest annual fundraising event, raising just over $30,000 for field trips, enrichment tools and activities, assemblies and field trips. With 47% of children who attend the school falling below the poverty line, the fundraiser is essential to promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Scott Mencer, owner of SON's Ice Cream in East Petersburg, sponsored the event and donated ice cream coupons and water ice as fundraising incentives for the students.

PTO vice president and school alumna Liz Gee noted that the children enjoy participating in the event.

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