Chesapeake Bank/Chesapeake Wealth Management will be the title sponsor for the Gloucester County Public Schools Educational Foundation’s 13th annual 8K and 3K run/walk, which will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Gloucester High School.
A virtual 5K option is available and can be completed between March 4 and March 25.
“Educational Foundation board members are excited to once again plan this community-wide event that provides the funds enabling us to recognize and support our teachers. We’re hoping for a big turnout this year and greatly appreciate the support that Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Wealth Management have provided over these many years as this event has grown,” said Mike Jenkins, Gloucester Educational Foundation chairman.
Chesapeake Bank and Chesapeake Wealth Management have been involved in sponsoring the event at various levels since the first race held in 2012. Thanks to their commitment, as well as that of many local businesses, individuals and race participants, the GCPS Educational Foundation has been able to recognize and support teachers in Gloucester County Public Schools.
“It has meant a lot to us to be the title sponsor every year since the inaugural event,” said Melissa Crawford, VP, Director of Business Services and Regional Executive, Chesapeake Bank.
“Additionally, many also know Gloria Williams through her involvement in the community, most recently as the Community Engagement and Public Information Manager for Gloucester County,” Crawford added. “We’re excited to report that she joined our Commercial Lending team this year in the Middle Peninsula. Gloria also serves on the board for the Educational Foundation. She is the perfect spokesperson for Chesapeake Bank for this event.”
“The Gloucester Educational Foundation is a champion of our local students, staff and families, and I am proud to be on the Board of Directors and participate in the 3K/8K event each year,” Williams said. “I am grateful for Chesapeake Bank’s stewardship and sponsorship of the race and Foundation over the years. It is extra special to work for such a community-minded organization that goes beyond banking in countless ways.”
“Our Chesapeake Wealth Management team has also been involved in this great event,” Crawford added. “Norman Watters joined the CWM two years ago and brings almost two decades of industry experience. Norman serves as our VP and Wealth Advisor for this region. He is a great addition to our team and he’s looking forward to plugging into our community with events like these.”
Proceeds from the 2023 event funded the Teacher of the Year awards, presented back in May, and will fund mini-grants, which are up to $500 each, to cover a wide range of classroom needs addressing advanced technology, arts, reading, special education, etc. These grants can be used over multiple years to enhance the educational experience of Gloucester County students.
The March 23, 2024 event will raise funds for the 2024 Teacher of the Year Recognition in May 2024 and classroom mini-grants that will be awarded in December 2024.
To register for the virtual 5K or in-person events, visit https://runsignup.com/gcef3k8k5k. For information about becoming a sponsor, contact GCEFRace@gmail.com.
For more information on the race or sponsorships, businesses or individuals may contact Carol Dehoux at 804-693-1425 or GCEFRace@gmail.com.