Run2Learn for United to Learn!

Thank you St. Mark’s and Hockaday students, Raja and Leena Mehendale, for creating Run2Learn races that benefit United to Learn! Raja is our guest blogger to tell you all about it:

On a long car ride during the pandemic, Run2Learn was born. My sister, Leena, and I wanted to use something we like doing–running–to help our community. Around the same time, we were made aware that our local public schools were lacking in necessary materials to educate and engage their students.

Run2learn is our non-profit that hosts virtual 5K races to support United to Learn. Our objective was two-fold. We wanted to encourage our community to get out, be active and have fun in a safe activity. But we also wanted to raise awareness and money for our local schools.

After learning how to create a non-profit, my sister and I planned the virtual race, marketed it, created “swag,” took registrations, and delivered race bibs and swag to participants. Our mission is to use the proceeds from our virtual 5K races to provide resources to local elementary schools that lack the necessary funds.

We see three pressing problems that need our help: illiteracy at the elementary level, a lack of access to extracurricular activities, and a scarcity of school supplies. In focusing on these issues, we hope to expand the reach of the childhood education umbrella in order to encompass the greater youth population.

Thus far we have held two virtual races, raising over $3,500 benefiting United to Learn. Our next race is June 26. You can register for $20 per person! Sign up now at run2learn.org to receive your materials!