Thanks from GDEF
Dear Editor,
Soggy weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people who came out to support public education in our communities at the Groton Dunstable Education Foundation's 3rd annual Octoberfest 5K: Road Race, Walk & Kids Run, October 14 at Larter Field, Dunstable. We're happy to report this event, our major fundraiser of the year, earned over $10,000 for this year's enrichment grants to all five schools in our district.
An event of this magnitude is a team effort, and the GDEF board is grateful to everyone who contributed to its success, from all the registered runners and walkers, to the sponsors, volunteers and community leaders. Thanks to Bob and Carolyn Wright of the Main Street Café for providing delicious hot food, and to Bob and his band "Back to the Garden" for entertaining the crowd with high energy music throughout the morning.
Thanks also to the following individuals and organizations for their time and full cooperation: Dunstable Police Chief Downes, Lt. Jim Dow, the Dunstable Police Department, Fire Chief Brian Rich, the Middlesex County Sheriff's office, and Billerica Auxiliary for keeping our event safe; the Dunstable Board of Selectmen, Parks and Recreation Board, and Youth Athletic Association for use of the field and snack shack; Wes Goss of Goss Farm for donating pumpkins for painting; Luth's Family Karate for donating water bottles for Kids Run participants; George McGovern for use of his field for parking; and the Thompson Family for the trailer/stage.
We also wish to thank the many high school students and adults who volunteered their time to keep the event running smoothly, and school district administrators and staff for supporting us every step of the way. Thanks also to the Groton Herald, Groton Landmark, Groton Line, Groton Channel News, Around Town, Lowell Sun, Neighbor to Neighbor, and Action Unlimited for helping with publicity; and to Cheryl Steinhoff Photography for beautiful event photos, available for free download until October 29 at www.cherylsteinhoffphotography.com.
Finally GDEF wishes to thank our generous sponsors for their commitment to public education: Winners Circle - Groton Medical Associates; Gold Sponsor - Stonehedge Inn and Spa; Silver Sponsors - Bemis Associates, Block & Blade Landscaping, Broughton Woodworks, DCU for Kids, DriveGervais.com, Gilbride Electric, Lowell General Hospital, Murphy Insurance, Sports Authority, TADS (Teenage Anxiety and Depression Solutions), Tyngsboro Sports Center, Ursula Graf Real Estate, and Workers Credit Union. Our generous Bronze and Friends level sponsors are too numerous to mention here, so we invite you to visit www.gdefinc.org for a complete list.
Everyone who supported this event can be proud that their participation will make a real difference to children of our communities, as GDEF looks forward to awarding more classroom grants this school year, beginning with fall mini-grants to be awarded Nov. 28. Be sure to save the date for next year's Octoberfest 5K - Sunday, Oct. 6!
Sincerely,
Sarah K. Eisenklam
Race Coordinator, GDEF Octoberfest 5K
