ALLENTOWN: Education foundation sets 5K race fundraiser

   ALLENTOWN — The Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation (UFREF) will host the fourth annual 5K Run/Walk and One- Mile Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, June 9.
   The race registration and packet pickups will begin at 4 p.m. at Allentown High School with the One-Mile Children’s Fun Run starting at 5 p.m. on school grounds and the 5K Run/Walk starting at 5:30 p.m. on Route 539.
   State police and borough police will handle traffic detours along the 5K route. Route 539 will be temporarily closed to vehicles between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. from High Street in Allentown to Walnford Road in Upper Freehold.
   ”We hope to exceed last year’s turnout where we had over 120 runners and raised close to $3,500. It is a great opportunity for the community to push for physical fitness and to support their children of the Upper Freehold School District,” said UFREF President James Derasmo. “Events like this and our most recent Sno-Ball Tournament in February, allow UFREF to fund programs, projects, activities, and equipment to help enhance the educational experience of our children.”
   ”With the tremendous offer of time, support and generosity from our friends, families and neighbors since 2007, the Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation has been able to award over $150,000 in grant requests submitted by the faculty and staff of the UFRSD, including targeted donations received in support of the Robotics Club and the Bridging the Gap initiative, which was launched with the start of the school year,” said Sydney Guerrero, UFREF vice president.
   The race is community event that is especially looked forward to by the residents of Winchester Estates as well as the 64 houses along Route 539. The residents from Sharon Station Road to Main Street set up chairs and help cheer on their fellow friends and neighbors.
   The event is supported by Karen Kilcher, PTA liaison; UFREF trustees Tanya Cheff, Scott Smith (UFREF treasurer), Jim Buchanan, Catherine Reeves AHS; Lisa Herzer, president of the Board of Education; The Upper Freehold Regional District led by Superintendent Richard Fitzpatrick; and the school administration for AHS, Stone Bridge Middle School, and Newell Elementary School.
   The UFREF thanks the New Jersey State Police, the Allentown police, Upper Freehold, Allentown, the Winchester Estates development, and the Allentown First Aid Squad EMT Justin Sydney Guerrero and Capt. Patrick Donor for providing onsite support. Two local bands, The Gab Maniac Band and Beef will provide musical entertainment. Sandwich subs will be provided by Jersey Mikes from Hamilton Market Place.
   Goody bags, T-shirts, medals for category winners and ribbons will be awarded to race participants.
   For more information, contact UFREF trustee James Derasmo (and event chairman) at [email protected] or 609-649-3635.
   To volunteer, support, and donate, visit www.ufref.org or write: UFREF, P.O. Box, 109, Allentown, NJ 08501.
   UFREF is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit coalition of the private, business, and civic sectors, dedicated to promoting quality education by establishing, supporting and enhancing school district programs through grants.