Lake Magdalene Fourth Graders Get VIP Tour of Lowry Park

Last week, Lake Magdalene Elementary teacher Karen Riggs’  fourth grade class enjoyed a VIP outing at Lowry Park Zoo. They were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the manatee exhibits and learned about the work being done to help preserve the species.

The zoo outing was a reward from the LME Dads’ Club to the classroom that registered the most runners for the “Run for the Manatees” which took place in February.

The 5K fundraiser was sponsored by the LME Dads’ Club and Lowry Park Zoo, with the proceeds benefitting Lake Magdalene Elementary school and the manatee hospital at the zoo.

LME Dad’s Club president Mike Faraguna came up with the idea of the classroom competition.

Faraguna explained that because the Lake Magdalene Elementary students are "the Manatees", it seemed like a natural fit with the zoo and their manatee hospital.

After a few discussions with Tony LaForgia of Lowry Park Zoo, the partnership was formed and the "First Annual Run for the Manatees" was born. The zoo would lend their name and promotional expertise in return for a portion of the proceeds that would help support manatee research.

"The idea of the competition was to get students to encourage their families, friends and neighbors to register and participate in the race. The classroom that registered the most runners would win a VIP day at Lowry Park Zoo,” said Faraguna. “The students responded and helped propel the event well beyond the expectations.”

What started out as a very modest goal for the event, lead to a race-day participation of over 500 runners and walkers.

“Registration fees and sponsor donations helped raise net revenues well into the thousands of dollars,” said Faraguna.

Plans are already underway for the “Second Annual Run for the Manatees” to take place in early 2013.