[CREDIT: Roberta Canestrari] First-grader (now second grader) Conor Gill runs during the 2023 Warwick Neck Color-a-thon. Second grade teacher Kirstin Silvia is visible behind him.

WARWICK, RI — The Warwick Neck Color-A-Thon fundraising event returns Saturday, May 11, and you can still contribute to the color-strewn run celebrating donations from local businesses to the elementary school’s enrichment programs.

The event celebrates fundraising by the students, families and PTA with an outdoor celebration incorporating environmentally safe color powder that participants throw and run through as they circle the course. A final “color blast” includes all participants throwing any remaining powder in a giant cloud of color as they dance to music on the field.

The Warwick Neck Color-a-thon has many multi-year community sponsors, including Ahlborg Construction, Cantina Del Rio, Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, Elite Auto Repair, A Family Tree Child Care, Navigant Credit Union, New England Tire, Sophia’s Tuscan Grille, Tri-City Elks Lodge, Warwick Tree, and Westbay Community Action, Inc, and Winstead Marina.

“I am not sure who is more excited: the faculty and staff as they line the running track to cheer on and cover their students in colored powder – or the kids as they run past their teachers.’ — Principal Frank Galligan

“I attended Warwick Neck School when it first opened,” said Joyce Winstead Butler, who was in the first class of second graders and is the owner of Winstead Marina. “I loved Warwick Neck School. It brings back so many fond memories. I will always continue to support the school that I loved the most!”

“The event is a big community builder that brings lots of excitement” said Frank Galligan, Principal of Warwick Neck. “I am not sure who is more excited: the faculty and staff as they line the running track to cheer on and cover their students in colored powder – or the kids as they run past their teachers.” Despite it being a Saturday morning, Galligan notes that nearly the entire teaching staff is present to volunteer their time and create fun memories with the kids.

Funds raised by students and the PTA are used to provide educational enrichment for the students throughout the year, from field trips to assemblies, and seasonal community events held at the school. Local businesses who sponsor the event are recognized on the event website leading up to the event and on banners on the day.

Warwick Neck Elementary is a Feinstein leadership school and a 2022-2023 National PTA School of Excellence. PTA members, including teachers, parents and caregivers of the students volunteer, fundraise and coordinate the events that bring the school community together all year long.

For sponsorship information, contact the PTA at warwickneckpta@gmail.com for sponsor levels and prices.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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