The parking lot at Meadow Ridge School was full early Sunday morning as families arrived for the first Run35 Family Fun Run and Walk for Orland School District 135.
It was ideal weather for runners, and in case anyone needed a pick-me-up, the banana station was ready. By 9 a.m., hundreds showed up across the field, stretching, and chatting.
“It really shows what can happen when we work together,” said Rosalie Paca-Shah, a Parents for Education volunteer who helped organize the Oct. 26 event. “This gets students, families, and staff all in one place for something fun.”
Paca-Shah helped lead planning with PFE President Dawn Bertucci and volunteer Catherine. The Village of Orland Park donated the finish line arch, and local sponsors provided raffle prizes and snacks.
Major sponsors included GT Mechanical, Dr. Catherine AbuAllan of Orland Premier Dental, and State Farm agent Kira Schnell-Harrison, who joined the run with her kindergartener from Park Elementary.
“I love family events, especially ones that get everyone moving,” Schnell-Harrison said. “It brings all the schools together so you start to really know the families in the district. It builds community, and that’s what matters.”
After crossing the finish line, runners stopped for coffee from Traveling Tom’s, and donuts.
Jamie Makuch came in support with her daughter, and really appreciated the efforts for school districts collaborating, “My daughter couldn’t stop talking about it all week,” Makuch said. “It’s fun, but it’s also nice to do something that connects the schools.”.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dave Snyder and several district staff joined the event, talking with families and thanking volunteers.
The turnout spoke volumes for a first-time run, and the support made clear how much people wanted something like it.
“Every year we’ll learn something new,” Paca-Shah said. “But seeing this many people come together already, that’s what we hoped for; This is just the start,” she said. “Next year we’ll be ready to make it even bigger.”
