ABCUSD 1st Into the Summer Fun Run Draws Nearly 1,000 Runners

The ABC Education Foundation's first annual Into the Summer Fun Run/Walk & Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 22 was a huge success.

The first time event held at Cerritos Regional Park earned more than $62,000 in total revenues in addition to $76,000 provided in in-kind support from sponsors; net proceeds raised nearly $36,000. Major sponsors included L.A. County Parks Department; City of Cerritos; ABC Coordinated School Health Council; Kaiser Permanente and Broadview Mortgage. There were 84 community sponsors total contributing to the event’s success.  

“The proceeds from this Fun Run will support the Foundation’s grants to teachers and schools, or will go directly to pay for student supplies, such as back packs and school necessities,” said local businesswoman Cindy Yen Chen, president of the ABC Education Foundation Board. 

Grant applications will be provided in late August and will be awarded in November, according to Board Chair Sal Flores, Representative from the Irving Moskowitz Foundation.

The ABC Fun Run had more than 500 5K participants with Isaac Cortes of Temecula placing 1st, Danny Sanchez of Anaheim placing 2nd and Vivien Wadeck of North Hollywood placing 3rd. 

The 2K run/walk attracted nearly 400 participants with Wayne Cottrell of San Clemente placing 1st, Taha Abbasi of Cerritos placing 2nd, and Tomas Huerta of Norwalk placing 3rd. 

All 5K participants received an inaugural medal, while those participating in the 2K received a commemorative ribbon.  In addition, hundreds of local residents attended a wellness fair providing free health, dental, and other screenings and enjoyed free entertainment and other attractions.

The entertainment included Urban Xtreme, featured on the Disney Channel, “The School Tour,” and the ABC district-wide Honor Band. Urban Xtreme and The School Tour share a goal of educating youth about anti-obesity and anti-bullying through music and dance.  

Food trucks, including Dole Foods “Peel The Love” food truck with free food samples were on hand. 

The event’s Wellness Fair included booths hosted by Tri-City Regional Medical Center, The Indian Pharmacists Association of California, Kaiser Permanente Downey, Lestonnac Free Clinic and Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC along with 25 other sponsors.  

The health providers featured teams of medical professionals who provided free eye exams, scoliosis screenings, foot examinations, dental screenings and health education for adults and children.  

The ABC Coordinated School Health Council provided a sign on pledge promoting nutrition, physical activity, and health. A designated kiddie zone at the Wellness Fair offered an opportunity for kids to run wild and enjoy activities such as face painting and jumpy houses while a safety skills bike and pedestrian workshop through YESports, Inc. taught kids how to walk and ride their bikes to school safely using a to-scale city street.   

All of the proceeds from the event will go to the ABC Education Foundation which ensures that all ABC students succeed. The Foundation is committed to supporting the District’s wellness initiative to promote health and community wellness.