MILLSTONE – Despite a threat of rain, the Millstone Township PTO/PTSA’s second annual Color-A-Thon went off without a hitch on Oct. 8 at the Millstone Township Middle School.
Nearly 400 people came together for a morning filled with exercise, fun and a sense of community, according to a press release. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in the Millstone Township K-8 School District.
“The Color-A-Thon was a special event and a huge success,” Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder said. “Watching families enjoy a day together laughing and just getting silly was a true highlight.”
Prior to the race, Maria Ragosa from Karma Fitness and Wellness warmed up the crowd, while children bounced in a giant bounce house which was donated by Millstone resident Clare Taylor from It’s a Party!
A countdown to cannon shots of colored dye launched into the sky sent families off on a 2.5-mile race route, according to the press release.
School celebrity color blasters included Feder; Millstone Township Primary School Principal Trish Bogusz; Assistant Principal Scott Hobson; Millstone Township Elementary School Principal Suzanne Guidry; Millstone Township Middle School Principal Christopher Huss; and second grade teacher Lori Hanson.
Also on hand to support the event were middle school Athletic Director Joseph Muni, middle school teacher Kevin Norris and elementary school teacher Jo-Ann Trifiro.
Organizers estimated the event raised almost $25,000.
“I am so proud of this event,” event co-chair Christina Baldino said. “Our committee worked really hard to make the focus of the event fun for the whole family. I loved that our administrators and teachers supported this event with enthusiasm and think it adds an extra layer of excitement to have school leaders interacting with students in a relaxed atmosphere.”
Whether racers walked, ran or danced their way through the course, participants dressed the part in white wigs, rainbow tutus, crazy colored socks and wacky sunglasses. Participants got color-blasted with safe, eco-friendly powdered dye along the way, according to the press release.
“This was one of the most exciting fundraisers we have ever had for students in Millstone,” PTSA President Jody Dona said.
PTO Co-President Tara DiBari said, “The energy and the excitement of the crowd was contagious. Everyone had a blast.”
“We want to give a huge thank you to all of our volunteers – parents and students – who came and gave their time that day, especially the students from the Allentown High School Leo Club. We could not have done it without everyone’s help,” event co-chair Kristin Schloss said.
With the help of Nancy Reyes, nearly three dozen Allentown students, some of whom reside in Millstone, volunteered their time to help set up, douse runners with color and clean up afterward, according to the press release.
After the race, participants jammed out to music at an After-Blast Party. DJ David Paul kept the children captivated with his energy, fun music and dance party games.
Event co-chair and PTO Co-President Juli Hilbert said, “The atmosphere was truly electrifying. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.”
Preschool pupil Emiliana Polito was the top earning pupil out of all three schools, raising $1,000 all by herself, according to the press release.
“I want to give a special shout-out to Emiliana for being the district’s fundraising champion,” Feder said. “I can’t wait for next year’s event.”
“This event would not be possible without the generosity and support of our sponsors,” Baldino said.
Super Star event sponsors for the second year in a row included Baldino Dental Arts, Cobra Power Systems and Saker ShopRites.
“When Saker ShopRites was asked to sponsor again, I was honored to lend my support,” said Tom Saker. “As Millstone residents, we are proud to stand behind the school board, the PTO and the PTSA and all of their dedication in making a difference.”
New Super Star event sponsors this year included Knob Hill Golf Club and Amirita Singh.
Other sponsors included Mathnasium of East Windsor, the Dona family, Dr. Holli Alster, DPM, Family Foot & Ankle Center of Central Jersey, Kiddie Academy of Upper Freehold, Karma Fitness and Wellness/Ernie Reyes’ World Martial Arts, Juli Designs, Solitario & Tierney Certified Public Accountant, the Pereira family of Dunkin Donuts in Howell, Team Swish, Menar & Menar, Dennis & Don’s Collision Center, South Brunswick Veterinary Hospital, Rosta Fit, the Acquaviva family, the Manfre family and the DiBari family.
Millstone resident Frank Costagliola brought his family food truck from Vesuvios Pizzeria and was on hand from start to finish serving up breakfast and lunch, according to the press release.
