SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – A 12-year tradition in Summerville kicked off with a race where local residents raised money for the school district.
The 2nd Annual Meatball Run, part of the Somerville Italian Feast, raises money for Dorchester District 2.
All proceeds and profits from the races and festivities will be donated to the Dorchester District 2 School System Educational Foundation.
There were over 400 participants, including teachers. Chemir Conyers is a teacher at Newington Elementary School and also has children throughout the district.
“So many people don’t understand that we are a school district, but we need the community and all stakeholders involved. This money will support our families and students and help us get more. activities and help improve student performance overall,” Conyers said.
Of South Carolina’s 80 public school districts, DD2 ranks as the fifth least funded, said Ralph Hayes, executive director of the foundation.
Conyers said she loves showing her daughter the importance of donating to important causes.
“The impact that volunteering your time and effort and donating money can have and how it brings the community together and brings people together for the greater purpose of living in Somerville. I hope people understand that,” Conyers said. Said.
Hayes said more than $91,500 has been donated to the DD2 Education Foundation since the festival began, and he hopes that number will exceed $100,000 this year.
He also said investing in teachers and children is important because the district earns 40 percent less per student than neighboring schools.
“It’s important that we can be creative with our funds and give grants to teachers, and support teachers who are trying to make creative things happen in their communities,” said Director of Community Engagement. Kim Coel said.
The foundation provided funds for three cross country teams to participate in the race, including Ashley Ridge, Fort Dorchester and Somerville High Schools.
Two Somerville graduates, John Inman and Jennifer Little, Class of ’69, made a last-minute decision to participate in the run.
“We were going to do a reunion and that was it, but things started to fall into place. We heard about the Meatball Run and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the school district’s I said, “What could be better than helping two schools?” So I felt like everything fell into place,” Inman said.
They said they love returning to the community that built them.
“I know the school made a difference in our lives. We came here in 1964, and coming to Somerville was the best thing that ever happened to our family. That’s for sure. I think the school system was the driving force behind what we were able to do in life,” Inman said.
The Italian celebration has been around for years, but the meatballs started in 2023.
“Jalen Marto runs Somerville Italian Feast, and last year he said, ‘You know we should do a run on this. We’re calling it the Meatball Run. I should call it.’ And I thought, ‘Okay, that looks good. So we started doing it, and last year it was great, and this year it’s double that, which is even more amazing,” said race director Connie Moody.
The feast continues next week until October 13, 2024.
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