Ashley Grover
Halloween is a time for costumes, fun and scary monsters. But it could also be a time for giving back to the community. La Puente will be hosting a 5-kilometer run/walk called the Monster Mash Dash on Halloween day.
The run will be held at Cole Park on Saturday the 31st. Registration will begin at 3:30 p.m. and the race will begin around 4 p.m. The registration fee will be $15 for students, $20 for adults and free for children ten and under.
The proceeds from the race will go to the Food Bank in the San Luis Valley. The money raised will help the Food Bank get and distribute food for the needy during Thanksgiving. The majority of the money will go toward turkeys, but other food will be provided as well.
La Puente is asking participants to bring a plain t-shirt to the race. A stencil of a monster will then be put on the t-shirt by La Puente staff. The staff is also encouraging people to wear costumes for the race to celebrate Halloween. There will be prizes awarded for both the winners of the race as well as for costumes. Participants are also encouraged to walk the race if they do not want to run.
Gift cards from places like Carlucci’s will be awarded as prizes for best, worst and most creative costumes. There will also be bags given out to participants including things such as Gatorade and power bars. Participants will also be given a wrist band which will get them into the SLV Halloween party afterwards where they can receive a free pint of beer, soda, or 15% off of appetizers.
“We are trying to create a fun atmosphere for people during Halloween while also raising money,” full-time volunteer Sarah Elsey said. “This is our way of educating people about La Puente and helping the Food Bank. We hope this will also get people together for networking through Alamosa.”
There was good participation for the race last year and La Puente is hoping to get another good outcome. “We are trying to attract a new crowd,” Elsey said. “We want to get some new faces to support us by doing a different type of fundraiser.”
The race will be a good opportunity for those who want a different form of service. It will be a new way to engage in and help the community.
“It’s going to be a good atmosphere,” Elsey said. “It will allow students to step outside of the college campus and meet new people in the community.”
Those who do not want to partake in the race can also make separate donations to La Puente for Thanksgiving. Any Thanksgiving-related food would be greatly appreciated.
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