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The College Mentors for Kids’ annual 5K for the Kids was a success, bringing attendees from all over McLean County and the state of Illinois. In total, 331 people participated in the event on April 11, and countless more sponsored the runners and walkers.

The 2015 crowd was significantly larger than in 2014, lining up approximately 50 more people, including a few helpful K-9s! Profits raised were in excess of $4,000, and will go a long way toward securing the organization’s ability to mentor local elementary students, their “little buddies,” from Bloomington School District 87. These mentor/mentee relationships allow local youth to learn more about Illinois State, higher education, community service, culture, and diversity right here on campus, all while helping future educators develop at their profession.

“On behalf of Illinois State’s chapter of College Mentors for Kids, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all our college student volunteers, including leaders and mentors, and the organization’s generous supporters for contributing to such a fun, successful fundraiser,” said Alyson Spagnoli, the president of College Mentors for Kids.

“Our program would not be possible without such compassionate and giving donors,” she said.

So far, the College Mentors for Kids has raised $24,932 toward their goal of $30,000 needed for next year’s programming. To learn more about the organization and to lend support, visit CollegeMentors.Kintera.org/IllinoisState.