DEMOPOLIS &045;System elementary students are raising money for their schools and getting healthy in the process through the Boosterthon Fun Run program the Parent Teacher’s Association is supporting.

The program gets children to ask for pledges for each lap they run in the fun run. The leaders from Boosterthon, who oversee the various facets of the function, also get involved with the schools in which they work.

PTA President Yancena Perry said the program is a way to replace old fundraising events that relied on food sales to levy funds for the school. She said this is a way to keep a more health conscious focus for the students, while still raising funds for the schools.

The individuals running the program also go into classes at both elementary schools to teach children about character building. Associate Program Director for Boosterthon Jay Dempsey said they go into classrooms and teach children the programs three pillars: fitness, education and character.

Dempsey said the program is a national school fundraising organization based in Florida, with teams operating out of Birmingham and Atlanta. He said the organization gives more funds back to the schools than any other national school fundraising organization.

Dempsey said the program’s focus on fitness is exhibited in the fun run. He said the national average for children running in the program is 25 laps.

Dempsey said by making the event fun the students run the two miles in 30 minutes, something he said is an accomplishment. Dempsey also said the program encourages family members and friends to come out to the fun run to cheer on the participants.