Running for Dani’s Dreams. . .
PHOTOS BY ELYSE SOMBKE, ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL
New Palestine residents, friends and family of Dani Griffin and others showed up in force for the fifth annual Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 4 at New Palestine High School, on what would have been Dani’s 30th birthday. The event raises funds for the Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center at Zion Lutheran School, New Palestine.
Watch ‘Em Grow is the theme for this year’s event and the title of the new Go Green Discovery Center, open this fall, funded in part by the Hancock County Community Foundation. The Go Green Center is open to all Hancock County students and will be powered by solar and wind energy and contain interactive exhibits and activities to enhance science education in the area.
Hancock County students talents were on display at the walk/run and T-shirt design and essay contest winners were recognized: Katie Taylor, Zion Lutheran School is the winner and her design is on all the race shirts. Second place went to Lee Ann James, Sugar Creek Elementary and third place to Sarah Maynard, Sugar Creek Elementary. Drake Shadle, New Palestine Elementary and Ireland Crabtree, Zion Lutheran, are the essay contest winners.
Christina Harkleroad was also honored as the 2012 recipient of the Dani’s Dreams Memorial Scholarship.
Race winners are: Riley Wilson, men’s division and Sue Gaudreau, women’s division.
Thanks to all the race and event sponsors: Hancock County Community Foundation, Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, who donated four rain barrels to the Go Green Discovery Center; Hillcrest Tree Farm, Noll Landscape Group, Team Image Screenprint and Embroidery, Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, Dr. Brian Schoppel, McDonald’s of New Palestine, Mama Nita’s Pizza, K&K Fence Company, Auto Air and Heating, Greenfield Walmart, Greenfield Home Depot, Dr. Sharon Paluga, New Palestine Gentle Dentist, Sam’s Club, Greenfield Home Depot, 10th and Post, Johnson-Melloh Solutions and Michele Conti.
A special thanks goes to the Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Memorial Committee (you know who you are) who provide their time, talents, love and commitment to keeping Dani’s Dreams alive, including Claudia Griffin, Buttons and Bows, whose face painting made the day so special.
Love, you all!
Dani's Dreams Outdoor Education Programs 