Fort Wayne Community Schools
Study Connection is racing to make a difference in students' lives with the Big Difference 5K on Saturday, May 9, at Franke Park. The event, a first for Study Connection, is designed to create greater awareness for Fort Wayne Community Schools' nationally recognized tutoring program. Study Connection began in 1989, founded by Don Wolf, retired CEO and president emeritus of Do it Best Corp. In the last two decades an estimated 10,000 students have gone through the program. Volunteers are matched one-to-one with FWCS students who need academic assistance. Students and volunteers meet weekly after school for one hour during the school year with 79 percent of the students bused to and from local businesses for their tutoring sessions. This not only gives students a chance to receive some extra homework help, but also meet a mentor in the community and learn about local career opportunities. Just one hour a week can make a huge difference in the life of a child, Study Connection Coordinator Sharon Callender said. Many in the community have already demonstrated their support for Study Connection, and we know there are many more people out there looking for a way to get involved. We hope the 5K will spur others to become a tutor/mentor. The Big Difference 5K will include an adult run/walk as well as a kids' fun run. The fun run counts toward the Fort-4-Fitness Kids' Marathon Race Series. Children involved in the race series must bring their mileage logs for verification. With a focus on children's literacy, participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume as well as overall winners. Entry fee for the 5K is $15 through May 2 and $20 after May 2. The first 500 people who register will receive a goody bag. Entry fee for the kids' fun run (ages 12 and under) is $5. The event is free for students who participate in Study Connection. The first 100 children registered will receive a book bag and a book. Registration can be done online at www.signmeup.com/64552 or by calling 467-8810. Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Pavilion #1 in Franke Park. Parking is limited near the pavilion. Additional parking is available just east of Sherman Boulevard in the Fort Wayne Diehm Museum parking lot. The event is sponsored by MarkFore Sales/Sports Den, Penn Station Subs, Dick's Sporting Goods, Roller Dome, Do it Best Corp., Bandido's Restaurants, Spiece Fitness, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Cardinal Fitness, Chick-fil-A, Walgreens and Edy's Ice Cream.