About five dozen toddler, pre-school and pre-k students from Little Oaks, Oakland County's on-site daycare center, walked in their own mini-marathon to raise money for The Brooksie Way Half Marathon and 5k Race.
Little Oaks presented a $67 donation on Friday, Oct. 15, to Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson who accepted the money on behalf of The Brooksie Way, the race named for his late son who died in a tragic snowmobile accident. The net proceeds fund The Brooksie Way Minigrants, which underwrite organizations that promote healthy and active lifestyles in Oakland County.
"It's not the size of the donation, but the amount of heart that goes into it," said Patterson. "All of the kids at Little Oaks did a great job. I thank the children, their parents and the staff at Little Oaks for their kindness," said Patterson.
On Friday, Oct. 1, about 60 Little Oaks kids showed up with their race donations, put on race numbers, and walked around the perimeter of the school, stopping once at a hydration station - just like the real Brooksie Way race held two days later.
Little Oaks Director Kelly Garrison said the mini-marathon was a real educational experience for their students. "They learned about helping others and being part of something a little bit bigger," she said.
Little Oaks students Hunter Hughes, Bryce Heverly, Dylan Psenka and KayLee Mason handed the funds to Patterson in four separate envelopes, shook his hand, and told him a little bit about their mini-marathon. In return, Patterson gave Little Oaks an autographed Brooksie Way poster with a message thanking them for their help.
This year's mini-marathon was such a success that Garrison said they plan to make it an annual event.
To date, 19 Oakland County organizations have shared $18,325 in Brooksie Way Minigrants since Patterson announced it in his 2010 State of the County address. For more information, go to www.thebrooksieway.com.
Published: Thu, Oct 28, 2010
