BY KATLAN THOMERSON
Glasgow News 1
On Saturday, April 13, Kids on the Block is hosting Dash for Sheldon, a free kids run that begins at 9 a.m. at Beaver Trail Park in Glasgow.
“The reason we are able to do programs completely free of charge in Barren and Hart County is because of the free kids run,” said Regina Pedigo, Puppeteer and Special Projects Organizer for Kids on the Block in Bowling Green. “Before the race, we weren’t able to do many programs in schools in Barren County. We have fundraisers that keep our programs in Warren County completely free for their schools, but outside of Warren County we have to find funding to be able to go into other counties. There wasn’t a whole lot of funding for Barren County. When we started looking into funding options for Barren County, someone connected us to Lorne Saltsman.”
Saltsman is the owner of Workout Anytime, which is the title sponsor for Dash for Sheldon. Saltsman is also the brother of Sheldon, for whom the race is named.
Before Dash for Sheldon, Kids on the Block was able to perform approximately 10 programs a year in Barren and Hart County collectively. Now the non-profit is averaging around 30 programs per year because of sponsorships according to Pedigo.
“We’re still limited on how many programs we can provide Barren and Hart County because our programming schedule is based on how much money is raised through sponsorships for the race,” Pedigo said. “There are no other programs in that area that helps us provide programs there. We’re trying to increase the sponsorships for this event, so that we can increase the number of programs we can provide for that area. In the past we have ran out of funds that allows us to provide the programs because there are a lot of school between Barren County and Hart County. ”
Children who participate in the race will receive a T-shirt, a goody bag, and a medal for participation. The top five male and female racers in each race will also receive a trophy.
“Most of the time parents run with kids who are 3 and under,” Pedigo said.
Schedule of Events
Those who want to register for the race in advance our encouraged to click here.
- 7:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. Onsite registration and runner check-in
- 8:30 a.m. Kids on the Block puppet show begins
- 9 a.m. 1/2k race
- 9:15 a.m. 1/2 k awards
- 9:30 a.m. 2k race
- 10 a.m. 3k race
- 10:30 a.m. 2k race and 3k race awards
The times for the award ceremonies may fluctuate dependent upon when racers finish each race.
“Kids on the Block has been in Kentucky since 1985. We are an educational puppet troop. We use toddler size puppets to go into schools and teach kids about 15 different topics such as child abuse prevention, bullies, mental health, and substance abuse,” Pedigo said.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor to help bring more programs to Barren and Hart County are encouraged to reach out to the non-profit by calling 270-842-2259. Anyone who wants to volunteer for upcoming events such as the Dash For Sheldon race, are also encouraged to call the non-profit.
Photo gallery provided by Kids on the Block showcasing children who have participated in Dash for Sheldon over the years. Used with permission.
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