[Members] Go On, Run for the Arts.....10/10/10 in Royal Oak

[Diane L. Winder]

ARTS IN MOTION 5K
Second annual charity run raises money for arts education

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (September 2010) - Michigan Youth Arts is hosting the second annual Arts in Motion 5k, October 10, 2010, in Royal Oak.  Family-friendly and suitable for runners and walkers, the event raises money to support arts education in Michigan's schools.

More than just a race, the day is a celebration of the arts.  Scheduled performers include West Bloomfield High school's Laker Express jazz choir, and Living Arts DanceCollage.

"We're planning for 300 runners, walkers, students, parents, arts educators, artists and volunteers," says race director, Stacey Lind.  "We're excited to be back in Royal Oak.  It's a fun and creative atmosphere - last year we had some guerrilla performances and great costumes.  We have fun  things planned for the 10/10/10 event, and it will be exciting to see what unfolds spontaneously!"

The morning features a 5k, chip-timed run, or a 5k run/walk, and starts and finishes at Starr Jaycee Park on 13 Mile, just east of Crooks, in Royal Oak.  Registration is $35 for the chip-timed run, or $30 for the fun run or walk, and is available online at michiganyoutharts.org/5k.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to collect sponsorships in support of their efforts, and can set up custom, online donation pages to track progress towards their fundraising goals.  "We have some really dedicated, individual fundraisers this year," Lind noted, "who have already helped us to raise more than ten percent of our goal for the event."  Race fees and donations benefit Michigan Youth Arts' advocacy programs to raise awareness, statewide, of the need for arts education as part of a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for life, post-secondary learning and the workplace.

Artists of all ages are invited to submit proposals to install or perform art in the park or along the course.  Guidelines are available at michiganyoutharts.org/5k. 

Major sponsors include: WRCJ 90.9 FM and Detroit Public Television, the Michigan School Vocal Music Association, the Michigan Art Education Association, and Ferndale's Serendipity Yoga. Additional support is provided by the Detroit Science Center, ExpertCare, Plum Market, and Birmingham's Speedy Tees.  Race timing is provided by Hansons Race Management.



-- 
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Cello, Department of Music and Dance
Eastern Michigan University
202 Bowen
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
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