Marathon Effort Raises Money for The Chapel School Arts & Drama Program

Marathon Effort Raises Money for The Chapel School Arts & Drama Program

Bronxville, NY- On Sunday, May 1, 2015, seven members of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School community ran the North Face Endurance Challenge Half Marathon or 10K at Bear Mountain on behalf of The Chapel School arts and drama program.

The team consisted of experienced runners and first time racers. “This was the first time we organized a team for a trail run,” stated Kim Zwisdak, Development Office, The Chapel School. Aside from physically and mentally training for the course, each runner had commit to and guarantee a $1,100 per runner personal fundraising goal for the half marathon or $800 per runner for the 10K course. “We are so proud of their dedication and commitment to the team. All seven of our runners completed the course and as a team have raised over $6,500 for The Chapel School’s Arts & Drama Program.” When asked about his experience, Senior Pastor of Village Lutheran Church, Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell responded “After 6 years of forming more urban races for our teams, this trail run was a challenge but also a great chance to support arts. It's always a uphill task to find the dollars to support and enhance arts programs for kids, but it's worth the effort! We can do this!" The runners were in consensus on the difficulty of the course. “It was definitely a challenge on endurance! That was the hardest course ever! What a challenge but overall wonderful experience!”

Each runner had their own personal reasons for joining the team. “My two boys have benefited from these awesome programs as they have participated in Prep Choir and are current members of the school band – one plays percussion and the other the trumpet,” shared Adrienne. George Heath, music teacher at The Chapel School, responded, “The Chapel School is fortunate to have an administration that supports and encourages the arts so that the whole child may be educated. I am running because I love the arts, and I love The Chapel School.” While many schools are eliminating their arts and drama programs, The Chapel School is dedicated to preserving their programs, which include: general music and choir for all students, an after-school Prep Choir open to students in grades 2-3, four bands open to students in grades 3-8, numerous concerts and chapel musical offerings throughout the year and an annual fall drama and spring musical.

“We are so thankful for our Team Chapel Arts runners and their supporters.” Team Chapel Arts’ runners for 2016 included: Robert Hartwell, George Heath, Adrienne Stewart, Linda Bennett, Lida Mora, Jennifer Merritt, and Elaine Strommen.

Team Chapel is currently looking for runners interested in running the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. Join Team Chapel in our partnership with the TCS New York City Marathon, runners of every skill level are encouraged to submit their application for consideration. If chosen to be a member of Team Chapel each runner has a guaranteed spot in the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. Already registered? Give yourself a reason to run and put meaning behind your miles by joining Team Chapel! The Chapel School has been named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. For more information on Team Chapel, contact the Chapel School at 914-337-3202 or on-line at http://www.TeamChapel.com. The Chapel School is located at172 White Plains Road in Bronxville, New York. For more information about the Chapel School and its programs, please call 914-337-3202 or visit the website at www.thechapelschool.org