Thousands of students, families, and school staff members will walk from McCorkle Place on the UNC campus to a huge carnival at Lincoln Center, the school district’s central office, on Saturday, October 5, at 2 p.m.
Organized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation, the Walk for Education, now in its 17th year, raises funds for all schools in the district. Each school designates its Walk earnings for specific projects, such as classroom libraries, technology and playground improvements.
Over 6,000 walkers participated in 2012. Students raised more than $90,000 for their schools. The Foundation awards cash prizes to the school with the most walkers and the school demonstrating the most school spirit as they march down Franklin Street.
“The Walk demonstrates community support for public education, engages participants in physical activity and raises funds for all our schools,” said Ashley Wilson, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation.
The Carnival at Lincoln Center will feature giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, face painting, a dunking booth, and other activities organized by school groups to raise funds for their programs. Families can purchase a wide variety of food and drinks offered by school groups.
“Schools are working especially hard to raise money at the Carnival because funds have been cut for teams and clubs,” said Kim Hoke, Foundation director.
New to the Carnival this year will be a silent auction, with each school presenting one item or experience for bidding. Among the many auction items are Carolina-Duke basketball tickets, a week at a Cape Hatteras beach house, and sterling silver jewelry. All proceeds go directly to the schools.
Walk festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. at McCorkle Place on the UNC campus. Led by the Carrboro High School marching band, walkers will head down Franklin Street at 2 p.m. There is no registration for the Walk, which will take place rain or shine. Everyone is welcome. Dogs, however, are prohibited.
Shuttles from Chapel Hill and Carrboro High Schools to McCorkle Place will begin at 12:30 p.m. Shuttles from the Carnival at Lincoln Center will return to the two high schools starting at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to ride the shuttles. There is no parking at Lincoln Center, and parking on Merritt Mill Road will not be permitted.
For information, contact Kim Hoke at khoke@chccs.k12.nc.us or by phone at 919-967-8211 (ext. 28301).
Pictured: Scenes from 2012 Walk for Education.
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