Annual Walk-a-thon raises over $10K

By Carrie A. Mizell

Spirits were high on Saturday morning as several hundred people gathered on the courthouse lawn to take part in the Education Foundation’s annual walk-a-thon.
Despite tough economic times, the 2010 walk-a-thon generated $10,616.71 thanks in large part to the 10 participating teams who worked hard to raise funds.
Bell Elementary School was credited as the top fundraiser this year, having generated $3,110 in donations. Not only did BES rank first in the schools catergory, the team raised over $400 more than any other team participating.

Members of the Bell Elementary School walk-a-thon team gathered for a picture before starting out.

According to Sherry Lindsey, principal of Bell Elementary School, a competition was held between each of the grade levels to see what grade could raise the most money for the Walk-a-thon. Paper thermometers were shown on the news each morning to show running totals, which were added daily, so the students could see where each class amount was at the end of the day.
“The students and teachers really rallied as you can see from the results,” Lindsey said. “We all enjoyed the event and look forward to next year.”

Bell High School JROTC members presented the flags
during opening ceremonies on Saturday morning.

Trenton Elementary School placed second in the school competition having raised $2,642.21. Trenton Middle High School raised $985, while Bell Middle High School garnered $722.50.
Capital City Bank swept the business category, raising $1,372. Ameris Bank came in second with $500. Drummond Community Bank brought in $360, followed by Lafayette State Bank with $355.
The Gilchrist County Courthouse team raised $380 for the annual walk-a-thon, followed by the Gilchrist County School Board Office with $190.
After walking the two-mile course, winding through the streets of Trenton, participants enjoyed bottled water and hot dogs on the courthouse lawn.
The Education Foundation’s next fundraiser will be the 17th Annual Wild Beast Feast on Friday, April 9 at 6 p.m. This year’s Beast Feast will be held at the Gilchrist County FFA Alumni Arena.
The menu is sure to delight, as it features venison, quail, gator, frog legs, turkey, rabbit, goat, mountain oysters, gumbo, swamp cabbage, corn on the cob, homemade desserts and much more.
Tickets for the Beast Feast will be $25 in advance and $30 at the gate.