Montclair 'Amazing Fundracer' Will Raise Money For Schools

MONTCLAIR NJ, April 11 — The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) has announced that its 2nd annual Amazing FUNDRACER will take place on Sunday, May 21 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

According to a news release, last May, the MFEE celebrated 25 years of community support for local schools with an "amazing race" across town. The inaugural MFEE Amazing FUNDRACER took in more than $85,000 in donations and sponsorships.

This year's race is limited to 50 teams of two (ages 18+). Each team must commit to raise at least $500. Teams will be eliminated as the race progresses and the top four teams will duke it out in a final challenge followed by a heated sprint to the finish line at a new surprise location.

The competition will continue with a festive after-party and a BBQ cook-off among local master grillers. The party will also feature music (both live and a DJ), an awards ceremony, and a highlight film of the event.

MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars said the most exciting part about last year's race was the long-lasting relationships made.

"Many of the connections that were made on the course blossomed into partnerships that helped our students during this school year," Rodriquez-Vars said. "Firefighters and police officers have been especially supportive and involved in our schools, we have had stronger partnerships between the schools and our town library, and some of our business leaders who raced have teamed up with MFEE to develop a youth career expo that MFEE plans to launch this fall."

To register to race, donate to a team, or purchase tickets to the FUNDRACER after-party, visit http://www.mfee.org/events.html

The MFEE is also seeking volunteers to help staff the challenge stations. Volunteers get a front-row seat to the action while helping raise funds for our schools. Contact Bridget Placek to volunteer: bhozumi@gmail.com. Volunteers can also log on to the PLANETCIVIC website and sign up on their volunteer section: https://www.planetcivic.com/volunteer.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: MFEE