Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to equip girls grades 3-5 with life skills and to promote self-esteem growth as they approach the challenging years of middle school.
The program runs biannually for several weeks and culminates with an inspirational 5K run where they run/walk with a “buddy” who is a family member or friend.
The training for the 5K takes place alongside of the other curriculum throughout the weeks of the program.
Local council director Erika Cooke is launching the efforts with the help of her board and area volunteers.
The first step is fundraising and developing a team of volunteers. Girls on the Run of Southeast Tennessee hopes to have the funds raised to be able to start the first group of girls in the fall 2012 at two area elementary schools.
The goal of this local chapter of Girls on the Run is similar to chapters across the nation: to have a Girls on the Run program available every year at every elementary school in order to support, mentor, and positively impact girls at this tender age.
Fundraising efforts received an extra boost this past week when Girls on the Run director Erika Cooke was informed that the Allan Jones Foundation would like to donate $500.
Jones, founder and chief executive officer of Check Into Cash, stated, “I am delighted to partner with Girls on the Run in supporting our young athletes.
“I encourage others to support the program, which addresses all aspects of development by enhancing a child’s emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. I believe the girls who participate will have a better shot at good health throughout life and better self-esteem,” Jones said.
To learn more about getting involved locally as volunteer or donor, please contact Erika Cooke at 834-1855 or at ecooke@tgt1887.com.
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Online: http://www.girlsontherun.org/
