On Thursday, the Shelby Boys and Girls Cross Country Team held their annual Dawn to Dusk Fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits both boys and girls who participate in cross country. Coach Chris Zuercher and Coach Bob DeLauder were the organizers behind the fundraiser.
The fundraiser has been an annual event since 1998 and is opened to the public. “We have had some people come and participate who have run 20 miles straight without stopping,” said DeLauder. “It is good involvement for the community because participants are able to get out and support the team, while being fit and active,” said DeLauder.
Participants could choose to either walk or run. “We have had people bring their dogs and walk around the track,” said DeLauder. Both cross country teams participate in the fundraiser, too.
“I got here at 6:30 this morning and have run 32 laps. I still have eight more to go before I am finished for the day,” said girls cross country member Miranda Shaffer. Shaffer will be a senior this year and has been a member of cross country since she was in eighth grade.
Coach DeLauder keeps track of every participant’s number of laps. The fundraiser is held rain or shine. “We have been pretty lucky through the years because we have never had a year of severe rain, except in 2007 when we did have to cancel because of the flood that occurred,” said DeLauder.
“Eric Finn, Membership and Program Director at the Shelby YMCA, is offering a free two week membership to the YMCA for anyone who completes 20 laps,” said DeLauder.
“The proceeds that are made from this fundraiser vary every year because some of the members from the teams do have sponsors that donate. It just depends year to year on what will be profited,” said DeLauder. “We usually have between 150-200 people that come out and participate. It is great to see the involvement,” said DeLauder.
