PRINT ARTICLE

Print    Close This Window
GHS Invites Community to Join Virtual 5K Fundraiser
Geneva VIkings Creepy Crawly Virtual 5K
Oct. 8, 2020

Geneva High School’s Student Council is inviting the Geneva 304 community to participate in a virtual fundraising event that celebrates the season, promotes socially distanced togetherness, and raises awareness and support to neighbors impacted by the pandemic. The Geneva Vikings Creepy Crawly Virtual 5K is open for registration online now until midnight Friday, Oct. 16, at this link. Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund.

“GHS Student Council is excited to host this fun new event designed to build community and help those hit hardest by COVID-19,” said Emma Cole, biology & AP environmental science teacher and activities director at GHS.

The student council has organized a Festival of Frights Spirit Week for students from Oct. 25-30. While the Creepy Crawly Virtual 5K takes place on the Thursday of that week, Oct. 29, participants can run it in advance if they choose to, Cole said, adding that the event is organized to be safe and flexible. “They can run outdoors, on a treadmill, gather a small group of friends and go together on a socially distanced walk … really any way they want to,” she added.

Cole collaborates with Student Council Sponsor Taylor Forni on events such as these to help guide students. Forni is a physical education teacher and has sponsored student council for three years. “I am so proud of the hard work and creativity our executive board and student council has been putting in so far this semester,” Forni said. “All members are truly committed to making things work and thinking outside of the box to make the student body feel part of events, whether in person or virtual. Kuddos to everyone for stepping out of our comfort zones and not being afraid to take risks this year!”

Fundraising and citizenship is typically an aspect of student council’s activities, and this 5K event broadens that scope by inviting the Geneva community at large to participate, according to Student Council Executive Board Member Maddy Cooper, a GHS junior who heads up the 5K Committee. “We wanted that spirit of togetherness to be at the core of this event. Things are so stressful right now, and so many nonprofits are struggling during these turbulent times,” Cooper said, adding that this fundraiser is the perfect opportunity for community members who want to help to make a positive impact and have fun in the process.

The $25 registration fee includes a long-sleeve T-shirt to commemorate the event. Once registered online, participants will receive information about picking up their T-shirts from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at GHS.

Participants are encouraged to track their time and progress and compete with fellow Vikings. Prizes will be awarded in the categories of Fastest (1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall), Best Group Average, Best Costume (individual), and Best Group Costume. Those who want to compete for Fastest are encouraged to download the running app called Strava. Those who register will receive email communications with further details on how to submit their stats.

To promote further engagement and community spirit, participants are encouraged to wear costumes during their 5K and to share pictures on Instagram and Twitter using #GHSCreepyCrawly5K. If participants can incorporate their 5K shirt with their costume, that’s even better, said Cooper, adding that the shirts were designed by a talented GHS freshman who is new to the student council this year.

“It’s a phenomenal opportunity to get involved, Cooper said. “It will be super fun, and we encourage people to join.”

To sign up to participate, please visit this link by midnight Friday, Oct. 16: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creepy-crawly-virtual-5k-tickets-122580749321

According to its website, the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund was launched in collaboration with the City of Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust, and United Way of Metro Chicago. The goal is to unite the funds raised by philanthropies, corporations and individuals to be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the region. To learn more, visit https://www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org/