By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

People often see a need and wonder how they can help. Students in Colonel Crawford FCCLA advisor Melanie Studer’s class had an answer: go forward one step at a time, one year at a time.

“Each year the money goes to a good cause,” said junior Nicholas Studer. “We wanted to give back to the community. We’re blessed and we wanted to get involved.”

The 4th Annual Steps For A Cure 5K is a student-driven fundraiser that every spring organizes a 5K with proceeds going to help others who are struggling against chronic, if not terminal, diseases.

In its previous three years, the Steps For A Cure 5K has raised over $12,000. Beneficiaries of the 5K have been Alex’s Lemonade Stand which supports efforts to defeat childhood cancer; SIDS and the Cayson Clime Foundation; and Steele A Dream For Cade Coffman and Muscular Dystrophy.

As with the Cayson Clime Foundation which is named for Colonel Crawford teacher Danielle Clime’s son who died from SIDS, and Cade Coffman who is also a Colonel Crawford student, the money raised by the 2016 race will go to a cause close to the hearts of students in the school district.

This year’s 5K is April 30 and proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House as well as the family of Colonel Crawford third-grader Lauren Esterline.

Lauren was diagnosed this fall with the rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma.

“We had other things in mind,” said senior Brandon Long. “But when this came up it was a no-brainer.”

Colonel Crawford students take charge of everything from publicity, to race-day administration, registration and sponsorships.

“A bunch of students are involved with getting sponsorships, handing out T-shirts,” said Long. With a grin and nod at Studer, he added, “We’re driving the Gator (cart) to lead the race.”

Sponsors of this year’s race include Burkhart Farm Center, Gospel Baptist Church, Galion East of Chicago, Dzugan Realty, Precision Technologies, Memory of Taylor Zumbro, FCCLA, Leo Club, A-1 Auto, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mansfield McDonalds.

Studer said the goal is to continue what has been started when it comes to raising funds.

“Definitely as much as we can,” Studer said. “Each year we have raised more and more.”

Both Long and Studer said the date selection of April 30 coincides with an off day for many area track teams and means those athletes can help or even participate.

“It’s kind of fun to see the sprinters run long distance,” Long said. “They’re not used to that.”

Studer credited Greg Gabriel, a devoted member of the Crawford County distance-running community, for setting the road course.

“It actually goes right in front of his house,” Studer said.

The race has, on average, attracted between 170 and 215 entries. The first 100 to register will get a free T-shirt. Pre-race registration can be done online at www.cck12.org or by calling Colonel Crawford High School. Cost is $20.

New this year is a 1-mile Fun Run for runners ages 5 and under for a cost of $5.

There will be awards for the first overall male and female to finish and the first three places in each age group.

Runners may also register the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. in the William and Hannah Crawford School cafetorium. The Fun Run begins at 10 a.m. with the 5K to follow at 10:30

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