Watch CBS News

Running To Raise Money At Philadelphia's Masterman Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Students and staff at Philadelphia's Masterman middle and high schools Friday ran around in circles. But it's by design.

It's a fundraiser that has Masterman kids and teachers running around the school -- circling the block at 17th and Spring Garden -- to raise cash for their designated extracurricular activities.

Sixth-grader Natalie Kim is running for the robotics club and the middle school student government.

"Last year I did 50 laps," she tells KYW Newsradio. "So I think my goal this year is probably to do 60 laps."

Sophomore Daniel Bici ran too.

"All of that money that I'm fundraising will be going to the boys cross-country team," he said.

The fundraising goal is $25,000. Principal Jessica Brown says without that extra money, activities would have to be cut back.

"We would have a limited amount of after-school programs and the students wouldn't be able to enjoy the variety that they have."

Luigi Borda, a Masterman teacher for 22 years, organized the fundraiser five years ago. He planned to run 100 laps. That's about 15 miles, almost as long as a marathon.

"It seems like this budget crisis is a marathon," he says.

Borda says it's rewarding to see the kids give back to their school, but adds students shouldn't have to be in a position to raise money for activities that should be provided.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.