Over the last four years, Auburn and Opelika residents have been running and walking to support children’s arts and literacy educational programs. The “Art Walk/Run” was started in 2006 by the Junior League of Lee County (JLLC) to benefit and support six different community organizations influencing children positively through education.

According to the JLLC Web site, they have two main points of focus in the organization. The first focus is every child in Lee County should have access and exposure to educational programs that promote literacy and the arts including, but not limited to, visual arts, performing arts, language arts, physical arts and culinary arts. And their second goal is to provide opportunities for intellectual, physical, and emotional development will improve self-esteem and build better citizens.

These are key points of interest as they affect everything that the organization does and what it stands for. So in order to fulfill their mission and vision for Lee County’s citizens, JLLC has three major fundraising events each year. In the fall they host a “Poinsettia Sale,” in the spring they hold the “Art Walk/Run,” and in the last few years they have a “Rummage Sale” during the summer.

This year the “Art Walk/Run” will be held on April 3, at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the day of the race.

JLLC is offering three different events along with games for children to try and attract more people to come out and support their cause. They first option is a 3.1 mile (5k) timed run and walk beginning at 9:15 a.m. There will also be a 1.5 mile walk at 9:30 a.m. for people who want to participate, but need something less strenuous. The exact race route has yet to be determined.

Entry fee for the event is $15 for pre-registration, before March 15, and $20 after March 15 until the day of the race. For children age 10 and under the registration fee is free. Pets on leashes are welcome to participate too.

Tamara Poole, event co-chairman, said registration comes with a T-shirt, goodie bag and entrance into the race.

“After March 15, the registration fee is $20 and it all so gets you a T-shirt and goodie bag, but they are not guaranteed, but we usually have enough,” Poole said.

If the youth would like a T-shirt to commemorate this special event they can be purchased for $10.

On race day there will be a lot of events going on for the children including fun and creative arts and crafts projects provided by the museum and a Space Walk. There will be prizes for the top runners of seven different age groups for both male and female participants. And a drawing to give away prizes to sponsors who donated $150 or more to the event as well.

Last year the “Art Walk/Run” raised almost $10,000 and they hope to do so again this year.

The organization’s success depends largely on the success of fundraisers. Last year alone the JLLC volunteered 1,545 hours to the community, distributed $16,300 in funds to six community agencies, assisted 20 organizations by providing volunteers, monetary donations, and needed program supplies and materials. The JLLC was also able to impact the lives of 3,400 children in Lee County through their art and literacy placements and “Done in a Day” programs.

For more information, visit juniorleagueofleecounty.com.