DEMOPOLIS &8212; U.S. Jones Elementary&8217;s Boosterthon Fun Run kicks off today in spite of cold temperatures and the possibility of rain. The school&8217;s sole fundraiser, which encourages kids to blend fun and exercise into the mix, will be held in the gym instead of outside like they did last year.

According to PTA president Yancena Perry, Westside Elementary School&8217;s Boosterthon Fun Run is set to be held outside on Friday as scheduled because sunny weather is in the forecast.

Perry said in addition to the all-day run, Jack&8217;s of Demopolis will be providing snacks and refreshments for parents, which are encouraged to attend.

Children will compete during their physical education classes and try to run as many laps as they can. With each lap they run, pledges they received will add up to bring money into the schools. Perry said this year, they plan on having perhaps fewer pledges, but more collections.

Last year they had approximately $57,000 pledged for one school, but were only able to collect $38,000 &045; which is about 70 percent. This year, she said, they hope to collect at least 80 percent of the pledges.

This is the second year the system has participated in the Boosterthon fundraiser. Jonathan Gaydosh, program director, said the program has been successful because it sends a healthy message to children by encouraging them to exercise.

Currently there are 130 schools in the Southeast who participate in the Boosterthon Fun Run, 30 of which are in Alabama.