MSU’s T.K. Martin Center hosts annual Trick or Trot Fun Run Oct. 31
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability invites families and individuals of all ages to trick or trot during its 14th annual fun run Oct. 31 on MSU’s campus.
The Trick or Trot Fun Run, the center’s largest annual fundraiser, kicks off at 9 a.m. Halloween with on-site registration and activities for children, and the fun run starts at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to wear child-friendly costumes as they run, walk or stroll the 1-mile loop through campus beginning at the center. Cheer stations will be set up along the route for volunteers to encourage participants, provide candy and hand out other goodies.
Registration for the fun run and cheer stations also is available online. Fun run entry fees are $15 for individuals and $30 for families, including up to five immediate family members. Participants also may register in person at the event at 9 a.m.
“The Trick or Trot Fun Run is one of my favorite events because it brings our community together to support our students and families in a meaningful way,” said Kasee Stratton-Gadke, executive director of the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, which houses the T.K. Martin Center. “Every registration, donation and sponsorship is essential to helping us provide specialized services, create opportunities and celebrate every child’s potential. Join us and make this event one of your favorite fall activities, too.”
Groups such as churches, local clubs, sports teams or businesses may organize a cheer station with a minimum of five members and are encouraged to bring candy, bubbles, stickers or other small items to hand out as they cheer on the children. Music and encouraging signs are permitted. While cheer station registration is free, donations are welcome.
Sponsorship packages for businesses and individuals are available from $100-$5,000. For more information about becoming a sponsor, visit the center’s website or email McKenzie Foster at mchaney@tkmartin.msstate.edu.
Proceeds from the fun run benefit the T.K. Martin Center School, a special needs preschool and elementary/middle school program. Since 2000, the program has offered a continuum of early intervention and special education services to enrich the lives of young children with various special needs along with their families. Services include four classrooms led by early childhood educators and special education teachers and therapists who embed each student’s individual educational goals into daily, developmentally appropriate instructional activities. Speech, occupational and physical therapy also are provided to those who are eligible, while consultation from psychologists and behavior analysts ensures students’ individualized goals are met.
MSU’s College of Education, home of the T.K. Martin Center, also includes five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters.