Shell's Run for Education Puts Values Into Action
Shell/MEF Run for Education on September 29, 2019, brought in $92,000 for the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF), while drawing 760 runners and walkers who competed in 5k or 10k events through downtown Martinez.
Rochelle Siote-Badgley, President of MEF notes “This is a fantastic community event. We are so happy to see it grow in popularity each year! As our primary fund-raising initiative, donations received go to support our students and teachers within the Martinez Unified School district - in areas such as math, science and technology, robotics, the arts, sports programs, and other essential items the teachers might not be able to obtain. In addition, it brings so many smiling faces to our downtown to support our local businesses. Shell continues to be a wonderful partner to work with on this event and throughout the year.”
The total amount raised since the Shell Martinez Refinery began the Run for Education community fundraiser in 2003 is $916,000. MEF grants money to Martinez Unified School District teachers, so they can buy items such as laptops, science and art supplies, robotics equipment, musical instruments, books and tricycles.
“I am always amazed how the Martinez spirit of volunteerism comes alive each year in the Run for Education event to support teachers and students.” Says Jeff Harris, General Manager, Shell Martinez Refinery. “Few things say more about the heart of a community than the attention, care, and support that they give to their youth.”
Martinez Unified School District Superintendent CJ Cammack said, "MUSD is so appreciative of the time, energy, and financial support Shell provides to our community and especially to our school district. Shell's partnership with the Martinez Education Foundation provides an incredible boost to the annual grant program where our teachers and staff are able to receive funding for special programs, curriculum, and technology for their students."
Shell Martinez External Relations Manager, Ann Notarangelo is already looking forward to next year, “Our refinery is committed to our community and education, and the Run for Education is one of the ways we put our values into action. 2020 will be exciting. We have the opportunity to pass the million dollar mark for total money raised by the Run for Education.”
After the Alhambra High School marching band entertained runners and volunteers assembling at Main Street Plaza, runners and walkers started the race on Main Street in cool weather and sunny skies. Many of the runners and walkers were accompanied by their children and their dogs, especially on the 5k course. The 10k runners peeled off for the longer course up Carquinez Scenic Drive. While the youngest kids had fun running down the block in the Kids Fun Run.
Loren Baker came in first in the men’s 10k category, and Natalia Skuba came in first in the women’s category. Lev Afonine won the men’s 5k competition once again, and Katie Karst of Martinez won the women’s event. The complete results are posted at Shell/MEF Run For Education.
Along with student volunteers from Martinez Junior High School and Alhambra High School, dozens of Shell employees, CERT volunteers and community members volunteered to make the event a big success.
The Run began in 2003 with the goal of rallying the community in support of Martinez schools and promoting health and wellness. It is the hallmark community event of the Shell Martinez Refinery, which devotes staff time to organizing the event and recruiting sponsors. This year’s Run was also supported by 62 corporate sponsors which donated money and gave in-kind contributions. This year’s Diamond Level Sponsors were PBF Energy, which gave $5,000. KevComp and HydroChemPSC gave $2,5000 each. The Shell Martinez Refinery, as the title sponsor contributed $30,000.
The Run was preceded on Saturday evening by a fundraising Family Fun Night at the Shell Clubhouse, sponsored by the Martinez Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.
Visit the Shell Refinery in Martinez Facebook page for photos.
