The second annual Dr. Tombaugh Dash – Family 5K & Fun Run, created in honor of former Westerville City Schools Superintendent and fitness enthusiast Dr. George Tombaugh, will be June 20.
Community members can participate in-person or virtually, with Westerville North High School hosting the in-person event on its cross-country course. For the virtual event, all materials will be mailed to participants so they can run or walk at their own pace and place.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the Dr. George Tombaugh Fund, which supports innovative and inclusive educational initiatives within the school district.
When Dr. Tombaugh passed away in 2019, family members approached the Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) with a desire to establish a fund to which individuals could make a donation in lieu of flowers to honor the late educator.
The initiative raised nearly $5,000 and allowed the family to establish the Dr. George Tombaugh Fund as part of the WEF’s competitive grants program. This fund is dedicated to supporting innovative classroom and instructional initiatives submitted by WCSD educators.
“Our father was a thoughtful and intentional leader who dedicated his entire life to educational excellence for all,” said Katy Tombaugh, who launched the fund with her four siblings (Ben Tombaugh, Fred Tombaugh, Jenna Lofgren, and Kris Evans) and their mother (Carol Tombaugh). “This fund, and the ability to provide funding to bring educator’s visions to life, feels like a meaningful way to celebrate his life while serving others.”
Sponsorships will be an essential part of meeting (and exceeding) the fundraising goal for this event. To receive information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact katy@wellnesscollective.com for specifics. Individuals interested in participating in the event can learn more and register here.