Goffstown, N.H. — This past weekend, Maple Avenue Elementary and Bartlett Elementary turned the Goffstown Rail Trail into a vibrant celebration of community spirit. The schools hosted a “Color Fun Run,” a family-friendly fundraiser that combined a light‑hearted race with a splash of color.
Purpose and Participation
Students, teachers, parents and local volunteers gathered early Saturday morning, each participant equipped with a small bag of non‑toxic, washable powder. As runners passed designated stations along the trail, volunteers tossed the powder into the air, creating a rainbow of hues that drifted over the crowd. The event was designed to be both fun and purposeful: all proceeds will support upcoming school field trips, replenish classroom supplies, fund new playground equipment and sustain special enrichment programs.
How Funds Are Raised
Families registered online ahead of time, selecting a donation amount that fit their budget. In addition to the registration fee, attendees could purchase extra “color packets” and snack bundles at the event. Local businesses contributed by providing refreshments and prizes for the fastest runners in each age group. The schools posted two fundraising links on their websites, allowing anyone in the broader Goffstown community to contribute even if they could not attend the run.
Community Impact
Both elementary schools rely heavily on community support to supplement state funding. The Color Fun Run offers a tangible way for parents and neighbors to invest directly in the educational experiences of their children. Past fundraisers have enabled grade‑level field trips to museums, science centers and historic sites, as well as the purchase of new laptops, art supplies and sports gear.
Principal Sarah McAllister of Maple Avenue Elementary praised the turnout, noting that “the energy on the trail was infectious. Our students saw firsthand how coming together can make a real difference for their classrooms.” Bartlett Elementary’s principal, Mark Donovan, added that the event reinforced the town’s tradition of parental involvement and volunteerism, values that align with Goffstown’s strong family‑centered culture.
Looking Ahead
Organizers plan to make the Color Fun Run an annual tradition, with hopes of expanding the route and adding new activities such as a post‑run family picnic and a local‑artist showcase. The success of this year’s event demonstrates the power of grassroots fundraising to enhance educational opportunities without relying on higher‑level mandates.
For those who missed the event but wish to support the schools, donation links remain active on the Maple Avenue Elementary and Bartlett Elementary websites. Community members are encouraged to share the news with friends and neighbors, ensuring that future generations of Goffstown students continue to benefit from enriched learning experiences.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
