August 27, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angela Ardolf
[email protected] | 952-838-9000
PACER’s Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying on Sept. 20
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 fifth annual Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Bloomington, Minn. “This is a real and painful issue for many students,” said Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, based in Minneapolis. “When communities come together at events like this, it shows students that there are people who really want to help, while inspiring others to join the movement.”
The outdoor event kicks off PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month in 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 make a positive impact in the lives of students who are bullied,” said Paula F. Goldberg, PACER Center’s executive director. “PACER offers practical, creative resources and tools for students, parents, and educators to help raise awareness of bullying prevention, 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 2-mile walk or roll is held at Normandale Lake Park, Normandale Blvd. and 84th St., Bloomington, Minn. Registration is at 9 a.m.; the run and walk/roll begin 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: Founded in 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, actively leads social change, so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students. PACER offers 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).