Posted by: Bethany on 01/26/2008 04:06 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 01/27/2008 10:10 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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'Copper Run' Fundraiser Draws Big Crowd Despite Recent Weather ~ By Bethany Monk
Copperopolis, C.A...They came. They ran. They helped raise money for two good causes. Threats of another winter storm didn't stop the more than 100 people who participated in the "Copper Run" fundraiser in Copperopolis Saturday, Jan. 26....
"It was fine. It was a nice day for running," said Sean Hamilton, a Copperopolis firefighter. Hamilton and several other firefighters from the Copperopolis Fire District, were on-hand at the event this morning doing traffic control.
This morning's "Copper Run," which drew local as well as out-of-town residents, is an annual fundraiser for Copperopolis Elementary School and Copperopolis Fire Association. Last year, participants in the run raised about $2,000, which was split evenly between the school and association.
This year's funds are still being calculated, said Ed Gouzenne, the event's coordinator and volunteer firefighter with the Copperopolis Fire District. He has been involved with the "Copper Run" ever since it began 16 years ago.
"The weather was good," Gouzenne said, "much better than yesterday." Still, numbers were down, he said, adding that recent storms in the area most likely scared some people off. "There were some die-hards (this morning)," he said, adding that these are the people "who will run in the snow."
Funds from past runs have purchased several items for the Copperopolis Fire District including safety gear, a thermal imaging camera and duty jackets, Hamilton said.
Copperopolis Elementary School has received sports equipment and other items through the years, as a result of the fundraiser, Gouzenne said. With budget cuts often affecting public schools, Gouzenne added that these funds help provide items and activities the kids might not have otherwise.
Many youngsters participated in the half-mile race this morning, Gouzenne said, noting the mini firetruck that the "up to five years old" runners got to run around during their "race."
"Everybody had a good time," Hamilton said.
Today's "Copper Run" began at 9 a.m. at the Black Creek Park in Copperopolis, and featured a half-mile race, a 2-mile race and a 10K race.
For more information call (209) 785-2393 or (209) 785-2236.
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