RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - More than 360 Cosumnes River Elementary School students hit the grass running May 1 as the school’s annual Beep Beep Fun Run raised $35,615 for programs, supplies and activities that benefit students throughout the year.

The fundraiser, organized by the CRES PTA, exceeded its $35,000 goal and drew participation from all 368 students on campus. Students ran in grade-level groups while parents, teachers and volunteers cheered them on. The event featured music, a roadrunner mascot, frozen treats and plenty of school spirit.

This year’s run was held in the spring rather than the fall, a decision PTA President Courtney Reid said was made to help prepare the organization for a leadership transition next year.

“After four years, I’ll be rolling off, and one of my biggest goals was to leave the incoming board in the strongest possible position for success,” Reid said. “By holding the fundraiser in the spring, we were able to build up the PTA’s funds going into next school year so the new board can focus on learning the ropes, planning fun events for students and families, and continuing to support all the amazing programs PTA funds.”

Reid described the fundraiser as “a final send-off” and an opportunity to help the next generation of PTA leaders inherit both a strong volunteer organization and financial stability.

One visible change this year was the decision to provide every student with a Fun Run T-shirt. 

“We really wanted every student to feel included and connected to our school community, so we decided to bring that tradition back this year,” Reid said. “The shirts ended up being such a fun addition to the Fun Run, but our hope is that students will continue wearing them throughout the year on Spirit Days so we can keep building school pride and community at CRES.”

The event also marked the second year the PTA handled the fundraiser entirely on its own, rather than using an outside fundraising company. 

“By handling everything in-house, we’re able to keep costs very low, which means a much larger portion of the money raised goes directly back to supporting our students, teachers and school programs,” Reid said.

Of the total raised, $28,615 came through online donations collected by students and their families through the 99Pledges platform. An additional $7,000 came from local business sponsorships. Sponsor logos were printed on the backs of the Fun Run shirts as a thank-you for their support. Platinum sponsors included Rancho Murieta Homes & Land, Rancho Victoria Vineyard & Winery, Gibson Golf Carts, HASA and Hunt Propane.

The PTA’s fundraising goals highlighted a variety of projects supported by the money raised, including classroom supplies, educational assemblies, library books, recess equipment, sports uniforms and community events. Funds also help pay for IXL Learning and Accelerated Reader, two programs used by students throughout the school.

“The PTA supports the school in so many essential ways that I think many parents may not fully realize,” Reid said. “Over the past several years, our PTA has worked hard to help relieve that burden and ensure teachers have what they need while also giving students access to high-quality resources.”

She said PTA funding helps cover classroom materials, instructional programs, field-trip assistance, library books, sports uniforms and educational assemblies.

“Our goal this year was really to help families better understand that PTA fundraising goes far beyond fun events like the Harvest Festival or Field Day,” Reid said. “A significant portion of the funds directly supports academic programs, classroom resources and opportunities that benefit every student at CRES.”

The event was powered by PTA volunteers. Reid coordinated the overall event, while incoming PTA President Christine Walker oversaw the Fun Run shirts and business sponsorships. Other volunteers handled communications, refreshments and student prizes. One crowd favorite was volunteer Michelle Mazzola, who spent hours wearing the school’s Road Runner mascot costume while dancing and cheering students around the course.

Students cooled off with Otter Pops after completing the run and later enjoyed chocolate chip cookies during lunch.

Reid said moving the event to spring came with some risks but ultimately paid off. 

“Thankfully, it worked out perfectly for us, and we ended up with the most beautiful day,” she said.

Looking back, Reid called the event a success. 

“Overall, it was a successful and meaningful event, and we’re really proud of how it came together,” she said.