More than 540 runners and 42 generous sponsors raised $101,000 in the 21st Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education on September 30, 2023.
The cool weather was perfect for people to run, walk or roll through Downtown Martinez in the annual event that benefits the Martinez Education Foundation (MEF). MEF provides teacher grants throughout Martinez Unified School District (MUSD), and in 2023, MEF grants supported Technology, Reading, Science and Math, and Art and Music at every MUSD school.
MEF President Rochelle Badgley said,” This has been a long-standing partnership with MRC and is such a fantastic community event! To see the downtown come alive with participants of all ages in support of the students and teachers across the Martinez Unified School District is great. The funds we raise through this event and distribute through our annual grant process helps us continue our mission to provide needed resources that promote academic growth.”
Since the Run for Education started in 2003, it has raised $1.4 million for K-12 supplies and educational experiences in MUSD. Martinez Refining Company, Refinery Manager, Daniel Ingram said, “We look forward to this annual event which supports our Community Partner, the Martinez Education Foundation, and helps fund important educational resources. On behalf of MRC employees and our contract partners, we are proud to support the Martinez educators and students.”
Martinez Refining Company underwrites the cost of the event and matches the first $20,000 in sponsorships pledged by other businesses. All money raised by the Run goes toward MEF’s Teachers’ Grant Program.
Photo by Martinez Refining Company
After the Run, MEF Board Member and Race Director, Jack Funk said, “The Run for Education enjoys such tremendous support from the community that it makes the day of the Run even more enjoyable. Knowing that together we raised nearly $100,000, from the Martinez Refining Company and our other sponsors, makes all of the work organizing this fun event worthwhile.”
One of the highlights of the annual event is the rousing welcome by the Alhambra High School Marching Band and Color Guard in the downtown plaza. Band and Color Guard Director, Sara Stafford said, “This year we had about 50 students volunteer to kick-off the Run for Education. We love being part of this tradition and we appreciate the community support for this important fundraiser. Our music programs, at both Alhambra High and Martinez Junior High, have benefited from MEF grants over the years, with help buying uniforms and instruments.”
For the first time since the pandemic started, organizers held the popular pre-Run event, Family Fun Night on Friday, September 29. The dinner event was complete with live music, games and raffle prizes. The Martinez Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs provided dinner and beverages.
In 2022-2023, MEF provided MUSD teachers with $130,700 in grants. Martinez Unified School District Superintendent, Helen Rossi said, “I want to thank the Martinez Refining Company and Martinez Education Foundation for their many years of financial support for MUSD. The money raised from the MRC-MEF Run for Education provides additional classroom materials and learning experiences for all students.”
Ethan Hussey of Martinez won the men’s 5k and of Renae Searls of Martinez won the women’s 5K.
The complete results are posted at the Martinez Run for Education event page at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Martinez/MRCMEFRunforEducation.
The event was a great success thanks to MUSD students, Alhambra High School Marching Band and Color Guard, MRC employees, MEF volunteers, Martinez CERT volunteers, community members, Martinez Police Department, Martinez Public Works, and local businesses.
In addition to the Martinez Refining Company, there were 41 corporate and individual Run sponsors who contributed $500 or more. Refinery Manager, Daniel Ingram added, “The MRC-MEF Run for Education is a true community effort, and we appreciate the many generous sponsors who support this major event. “
Thank you to our 21st Annual MRC-MEF Run for Education Corporate and Individual Sponsors!
Emerald Sponsors
Air Products, HPC Industrial Services, IBEW Local 302, Nooter
Diamond Circle Sponsors
Brand/Safway, KevComp, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 342, Waste Management
Platinum Sponsors
Baker Hughes, Battalion One Fire Protection, Benicia Fabrication, Contra Costa Electric, Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union, Delta Tech, Diamond Refractory Services, Ethos Energy, EVU Tech, Mangan, Mistras Group Inc., Overaa, Ramboll, Republic Services, Rotary Club of Martinez, Reliable Liquid Transport, Securitas, The Stronghold Companies, Timec Services Inc., Total Safety Supplies & Solutions, Van De Pol Enterprises, Western States Petroleum Association, Worley
Gold Sponsors
1st Northern California Credit Union, A3IM, Mark Brett, Brewster Procurement, CS Marine Constructors, Environ International Corporation, Joel Hawes, Daniel Ingram, Kleen Industrial Services, Nu West Textile, Schultz
Additional Run support provided by:
- Taco Daddy’s – breakfast for runners and volunteers
- Ace Hardware – bottled water for runners
- Rotary Club of Martinez – Family Fun Night dinner and beverages
- Kiwanis Club of Martinez – Family Fun Night dinner and beverages
For full results and more information, click here
