Hop, skip, jog, or walk at 9th annual “Do It Your Way 0.5K”

By Roberta Gosling and Abbe Pascal, SLHS PTSA Food Pantry

The South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry is inviting Restonians to its 9th Annual FUNdraiser, the “Do It Your Way 0.5K” on Sept. 27 from 2-4 pm at Lake Anne Plaza. Whether you're a serious walker, runner, jogger, skipper or just in it for the treats, this tongue-in-cheek

event has something for everyone.

Participants can look forward to a lively kickoff with warm-ups led by Citizen of the Year Kurt Rose, who will lead us in a little "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and bring up our elected representatives to wiggle those hips as they knock out dance moves to tunes by DJ Randy Platts.

The event will include several heats kicked off by celebrity starters including SLHS’s own Seymour Seahawk. Seymour will be joined by celebrity humans including SLHS Principal Seward, FCPS Superintendent Reid and other South Lakes Pyramid leaders as they show their support for the Pantry. The celebrities will award heat prizes for best costume and most spirited, so come ready to flaunt your style.

At mid-walk (325 steps) participants will have the opportunity to refuel at the Treat and Tea station with free tea from Elden Street Tea and treats from the South Lakes Culinary program to put some extra pep in your step. But it’s not just about fun and treats. One hundred percent of proceeds from the “Do It Your Way 0.5K” go directly toward supporting more than 500 students and families in the South Lakes Pyramid each week with food, toiletries and other essentials.

With community support, the SLHS PTSA Food Pantry has provide more than 3.3 million pounds of food and toiletries since 2017.

Register online now or sign up at the event. Special pricing is available for students and families, and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for front-row seats and a few extra goodies. Every participant will receive a race bib and a choice of swag. Don’t miss out on

the live raffle featuring an exclusive, custom-made piece of jewelry donated by Aspen Jewelry Designs, along with gift gift baskets and other items. It’s a chance to win big while giving back.

So, lace up those sneakers (or flip-flops—we won’t judge), grab friends, and get ready to walk, run, or just enjoy the day your way.

The Food Pantry is grateful for all the volunteers and community partners who have helped make a difference in the lives of families.