Allyson Hunter was running a 5K in September to benefit Shive Elementary School when the idea came to her — she should host a race.
But instead of the money going to a specific school, she decided to divvy it up among all the exceptional children’s classrooms in Rowan County.
“These children are so often overlooked and deserve to have access to special events and supplies that this excess money can help provide,” Hunter said. “It’s going to be split many different ways, but any little amount goes a long way.”
Hunter contacted David Freeze, president of the Salisbury-Rowan Runners, to set up the race.
She decided it should benefit special needs classrooms because it’s a topic that’s close to her heart.
“Two of my sons have autism,” she said.
Hunter, a biology teacher at Carson High School, said those classrooms are often overlooked by academic boosters and parent-teacher groups.
“There is nobody specific to raise money for special needs kids,” she said. “A lot of times these families can’t send extra money to school because it’s tied up in therapy and doctor’s visits.”
Hunter said the money can help teachers buy tools such as manipulatives and supplies like colored copies and Velcro, which can be used to make picture schedules and notebooks.
“These things do help when students are trying to grasp new concepts,” she said.
The race will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at Carson. A half-mile fun run will follow.
Hunter said the school recently launched a wellness program, so the race ties in perfectly with that initiative.
Those interested in registering can do so by emailing Hunter at hunterag@rss.k12.nc.us or visiting the Salisbury-Rowan Runners website at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org/.
The cost of the 5K Cougar Prowl is $20 until April 13. The fun run is $10.