By Lewis Cartee
As a parent at East Atlanta’s local elementary school, Burgess-Peterson Academy (BPA), Suzanne Jacobs has committed herself to doing whatever she can to help BPA reach its goal of being the premier educational choice for East Atlanta families. Last year Suzanne had a dream. While she understood that being an active member of the PTA as well as secretary of BPA’s Local School Council was important, she also realized the school needed to be even more entrenched in the community. And what better way to do this than become a big part of the East Atlanta Strut?
If you are reading the Porch Press you probably already know what the East Atlanta Strut is and what it means to the East Atlanta community. As the funkiest neighborhood festival around, the Strut is in its 16th year as a celebration of all that is wonderful with the Village. Thanks to Suzanne, back this year is a day full of races to add to the excitement. In conjunction with the Strut on September 27th, you will also have the opportunity to participate in EAV Runfest which will consist of USATF certified 5K, two mile and one mile races in addition to a one mile fun run. Just to add a twist of which East Atlanta is known for, not only will you be able to compete in one or more races, but an overall winner with the combined lowest time will be crowned.
And if that wasn’t enough, all proceeds of the EAV Runfest will benefit the children who attend Burgess-Peterson Academy, a traditional Atlanta Public Elementary School serving students Pre-K through 5th grade. Fundraising efforts are crucial to implementing new programs, providing new equipment and supplementing the already stellar academic programs. Some examples of needs to be met are: Teacher grants, media center upgrades and enhancement of wellness programs, to name a few.
Not only will BPA benefit from EAV Runfest, but the school community will also contribute heavily to the production of the race. Examples of BPA involvement are:
- Student designed/produced awards
- Student and parents will serve as primary volunteers
- Parents and school community promote and advertise event
However, BPA is not doing this alone. In order to produce the best experience possible Suzanne partnered with EnduraHub, LLC and SetUp Events, an established race production company, responsible for organizing successful athletic events from 5k’s to Triathlons. Their expertise in the field of race production and event organization will provide a professional race environment with official timing and race results.
Cody Elder, owner of Endurahub, has spent several years involved in almost every aspect of the endurance sports world including racing, coaching endurance athletes, managing sports stores and producing endurance events. Cody shared, “EnduraHub represents the culmination of these experiences into an event production and marketing company. We have helped to put on races throughout Georgia and have supported events such as the Georgia Triathlon Series in creating strategic plans to reach more athletes and to partner with organizations in an effort to increase market awareness.”
Cody continued, “We work with organizations of all types including for-profit event groups, government organizations and established non-profits. We work with groups that are excited to put on an amazing new event or take their established race to the next level. Having the opportunity to work with non-profits allows us to give back to the community while also growing the endurance market. We signed on to this event wanting to help BPA with their fall fundraiser, to promote active lifestyles in children and bring a race back to the Strut. BPA and EnduraHub structured a partnership that allowed BPA zero risk and gave them the opportunity to fund raise with the event. Ever since that time, we’ve had tremendous energy between the three organizations: the East Atlanta Strut, Burgess-Peterson Academy and EnduraHub.”
If you want to learn more about EAV Runfest and to register for the races, please visit runeav.com. For those wishing to be part of this wonderful opportunity as a sponsor please email Suzanne Jacobs at suzannejacobs634@gmail.com.
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