A first for First Steps

Four members of Limestone College's Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) pose with children from Busy Town preschool program. The Limestone student alumni group will hold a benefit run Saturday, April 12, to help support the Cherokee County First Steps program. Limestone College student alumni will hold a benefit run Saturday, April 12, to help support the Cherokee County First Steps program.

The benefit 5K and one mile runs will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center on the Limestone College campus. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.

The run is the first fundraiser organized to directly benefit First Steps, First Steps executive director Dorothy Priester said.

Entry fees are $15 for adults registering by April 1 and $10 for children younger than 12.

The event is organized by the Limestone College Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC). All proceeds will support First Steps in its efforts to help prepare children for the first grade.

"This event is a way for Limestone College to continue to give back to the community through a new annual event," said K.C. Barnhill, director of alumni and parent programs. "SALC will donate 100 percent of the proceeds because we believe in what the organization is trying to accomplish through its programs. We believe this race will provide greater opportunities to support the First Steps mission."

Nearly one of seven children in South Carolina test not-ready for first grade, according to statistics compiled by First Steps. Research studies indicate children unprepared for school have a difficult time catching up with their classmates throughout their school careers.

The local First Steps board allows children up to age 5 to receive free monthly books through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. The organization provides child care training for local providers and scholarships so low-income families have access to quality child care.

"We are really excited and overwhelmed by the support we have received from the First Steps Board, the leadership and the students at Limestone College," Priester said. "It is our goal to promote the need for early childhood education in Gaffney. We hope the community will come out and support this great event."

First Steps plans to use profits from the college's benefit run to provide training and professional development programs for local child care providers, Priester said. First Steps is working on securing additional money to continue Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.

In fiscal year 2010, First Steps will only be allowed to spend half of its usual state budget amount for Dolly Parton's library program due to planned state cutbacks in the program.

"We are in the process of applying to United Way for additional funding," Priester said. "We are a big supporter of literacy and the need to make sure books are in the hands of children at an early age."

County residents can register in advance by sending a check made payable to Cherokee County First Steps to Alumni Office, Limestone College; 1115 College Drive; Gaffney, SC, 29340.

For more information, contact Barnhill at (864) 488-4606.