Montville HS finds colorful way to raise money

Montville Township High School launched a new tradition on fundraising with its Color Run 5K run to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

The April 1 event exceeded students' goals in participation and funds raised, said school district Communications Officer Susan Marinello.

The event, aimed at encouraging healthy living, drew more than 400 who raised $6,000 that will be added to the  Class of 2017’s coffers,  Marinello said.

When it came to planning this year’s fundraiser, school administrators wanted something new and fresh.

“Sometimes things wear out,” said Marinello. Administrators are not sure exactly who came up with the idea of a color run, where participants are sprayed with colored pwder along their route, an event started by The Color Run in 2011, which now takes place around the world, but everyone liked the idea.

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The organizers said they hoped 200 people would show up to help them raise a few thousand dollars to offset senior class activities. But the day’s chilly winds and cloudy skies didn’t keep what Marinello called an “enthusiastic” crowd of all ages from showing its support.

“This is a wonderful outcome,” said MTHS Principal Douglas Sanford. “They more than achieved their goals with this event. It is incredible."

In the hour leading up to the race friends and relatives warmed up and participated in live Facebook interviews.

Class President Jonathan Kraft took first place in the 5K. Second and third place went to seventh grader Robert George and sixth grader Jeremy Reiss, both from Robert R. Lazar Middle School in Montville Township.

Following the race, students, teachers, families, friends and administrators gathered in the school parking lot to participate in the Color Burst, where a DJ held a countdown to the moment when multi-colored powders were thrown into the air.

“The whole sky became filled with color,” Marinello said.

“A great day,” said Montville Township Board of Education member, Michael Johnson, who wore his MTHS Class of 2009 T-shirt to the event. “A lot of color, a lot of fun, and a great new tradition.”

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