September 18, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Busch
[email protected] (952) 838-9000
PACER’s Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying on Oct. 5 Marks Beginning of National Bullying Prevention Month
Minneapolis: More than 13 million American children are bullied each year – that’s one of every three students – and bullying significantly impacts the emotional and physical well-being of those involved. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center is inviting the Minnesota community to show support for students who are bullied at the fourth annual Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Bloomington, Minn. “So many students are in need of support from adults, other students, and community members to address this issue,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, based in Minneapolis. “Community-wide efforts like this show students that there are people who really want to help.”
The outdoor event kicks off PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month of October and offers an opportunity for adults and students to help raise funds to support bullying prevention. All proceeds from PACER’s Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying support the work of PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center.
“This is a fun way for people to gather their friends and family and do something positive for students who are bullied,” said Paula F. Goldberg, PACER Center’s executive director. “PACER creates practical, innovative resources and tools for students, parents, and educators to help prevent bullying, and this is one of the activities which makes that possible.”
Presented by American Dairy Queen and the Friends of PACER, the 4-mile run or 1.5-mile walk or roll is held at Normandale Lake Park, Normandale Blvd. and 84th St., Bloomington, Minn. Registration is at 9 a.m.; the race begins at 10 a.m. Participants and spectators will gather after the race at the Normandale Lake Bandshell for entertainment, speakers, snacks, and family fun.
The entry fee is $20 per person for adults, $10 for ages 7 to 16, and includes a complimentary event T-shirt. Children ages 6 and under are free. Participants are encouraged to gather pledges from family, friends, co-workers, and local businesses. To register or learn more about the event, visit PACER.org/bullying/nbpm/RunWalkRoll or call (952) 838-9000.
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About PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides creative, interactive resources that are designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities. It offers educators, students, families and individuals tools to address bullying in schools, the community, and online. For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying or call (952) 838-9000 or (888) 248-0822 (national toll free).