Wilson High School students held a colorful 5K run Saturday to raise money for Unending Promise, a nonprofit that supports adults with autism.
Students in Stefanie Wagner’s third-period sports and entertainment marketing class organized the 5Kolor Run, which brought in almost $15,000 for the organization.
About 560 people attended the event at the Wilson West Middle School campus, according to Wilson senior Maddie Terefenko, 18, who came up with the idea for a color run.
Throughout the run, volunteers covered runners with a colorful substance made of cornstarch and dye. The paint is harmless to people and the environment and washes away with water.
The event was not timed because the purpose was just to have fun and raise money for a good cause, Terefenko said.
“It was a lot of fun – completely different from any other 5K,” she said. “People were completely covered in the paint.”
Wagner said it felt good to help out Unending Promise, which support adults with autism over the age of 21 – the age at which funds and support for education and assistance become less accessible.
It was also a great opportunity for students to practice their business skills and meet people in the community. They have been planning the event since the fall.
“It was neat to get this experience because things aren’t always as they appear in a textbook,” Wagner said.
After the run, a celebration was held with music, food and games.
