2009 Funhouse Girls Running Team at Bellingham "Ski to Sea" race.
From the Funhouse
The Funhouse was recently named one of only seven organizations nationally to receive a significant grant from the Saucony Run for Good Foundation of Massachusetts. The grant will be used to expand The Funhouse’s youth running programs.
The Saucony Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children by helping to prevent and reduce childhood obesity.
The Funhouse running program was started in 2003 by then Executive Director Jeanne Beck, and runner Donna Hasbrouck, who now lives on Lopez. At the time, “Run Girl Run” was just for girls. Boys cross country was added in 2008.
Since the club started more than 100 kids have participated. It’s not just about running; it’s also about healthy diet, health body image, self-esteem and self- confidence as well as connecting kids nature by accessing all the amazing trails on this island.
Hasbrouck is still involved, and several other great local adults have also signed on as coaches, notably Julie Brunner-Gaydos and Jean Spalti.
Susannah Beck, another coach of the girls’ team (and a nationally ranked trail runner) says, “As a coach, it’s incredibly heartening to see the older kids socialize easily with the younger kids they wouldn’t normally talk to, to watch a petulant foot-dragger blossom into a 10K runner, and to introduce them to the larger world of running and runners that will be accessible to them their entire lives.”
“We are incredibly proud of this program, the kids involved and to be recognized by Saucony,” says Funhouse director (and boys coach) Pete Moe. “It really feels great to be recognized for making a difference, especially in regards to this country’s disgraceful childhood obesity epidemic.”
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