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“Our 18th annual Walkathon was a huge success!” Those words are how Bel-Aire School Principal Dr. Clint Epley described his school’s Walkathon fundraiser held last Friday.

Bel-Aire School PTO President Samantha Zimmerman added to the enthusiasm. “The day was truly one to remember. The Walkathon was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of inclusion, connection and the belief that when we come together, we can make every child’s experience at school brighter and more cheerful.”

In addition to a fun activity for children, all proceeds raised from the Walkathon go to the community’s new Inclusive playground located on the school’s campus. Both Epley and Zimmerman estimate this year’s Walkathon raised approximately $50,000. This includes monies donated by community sponsors and monies raised by Bel Aire families.

The Highland Rim Kiwanis Club jump started the effort last week by donating an additional $20,000.

According to Epley, the Walkathon began as a tribute to Tullahoma’s first responders as it was held in September in honor of 9/11. First responders still take the first lap around the track.

“A really neat aspect of this fundraiser is that every child gets to participate so it truly is a school wide event. Further, parents are invited to attend which only strengthens our school culture. Thank you to our PTO, faculty and staff, and community members for making this event successful for Bel Aire Elementary School and our students,” said Epley.

According to Zimmerman, “This year’s theme, ‘Meet Us Under the Big Top,’ transformed the Bel Aire campus into a cheerful carnival atmosphere complete with bright colors, upbeat music and plenty of smiles. Everyone walked together in celebration of school spirit and a shared goal: raising funds for the new Inclusive playground.”

Major contributors to the Walkathon and Inclusive playground include Queen Bee sponsors Logo Wear, A and R Glass, Ross Services, Big Sky Custom Homes, Davis and Davis, Blue Gill Grill, Ole South, Hills Power Pro, Reed Mechanical Services, Janette Gardner, DDS, Giffin Contracting, Complete Express Care and Apex/DKI.

Hive Hero sponsors include Walmart Vision Center, WZYX, Ventek Solutions, JS3 Athletics, Stan McNabb Automotive, McMurrs, Good News Magazine, K and S Awards and Framing, Tullahoma Lanes, Sushi Thai, Action Graphics, Citizens Tri County Bank, Traders Bank and Soul Flowers.

Buzz Boosters sponsors include Wild About Smiles, Steve Prince State Farm, Access Title, Damron’s Restaurant, Oak and Iris Online Boutique, Event Nook and Gates Land Management.

Zimmerman concluded, “Bel-Aire would like to say thank you to these top contributors along with 65 other business sponsors who donated at the Community Bee and Supporter Bee levels. Every dollar counts in a project of this level.”