FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2004
CONTACT: Faith Jackson
Office of University Relations
(908) 737-NEWS
Kean University to Host
5K Fund-raising Race
for the Children's Museum of Central New Jersey
UNION, N.J. – – To help raise the funds needed to build the Children’s Museum of Central New Jersey (CMCNJ), Kean University will host a 5K race on Sunday, April 18, at the main campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J. The central event, Wee Run Wild 5K, is for participants aged 10 to 75 and will start at 9:30 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., youngsters aged 2 through 11 can participate in Wee Wun Wild Kidz Spwints, which are 30- to 150-yard dashes, depending upon age group. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, children can enjoy an amusement fair. All attendees will be treated to a post-race brunch, goodie bags, prizes and entertainment.
Kean University has partnered with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders
in this endeavor to help raise money to meet the projected $12 million
that will be needed to develop the interactive, hands-on museum serving
the needs and interests of children. Currently in negotiations with the
Liberty Hall Foundation, the Freeholders and CMCNJ board members hope
to locate the new facility on the hall’s grounds directly across
from Kean University off Morris Avenue in Union. “I am truly excited
to join with the children’s museum as we at Kean continue to build
our early-childhood-education and professional-development programs for
teachers,” said Dr. Dawood Farahi, president of Kean Unversity.
“I look forward to a long partnership that will ultimately benefit
the children of New Jersey.”
The freeholders have already donated $1 million from the Open Space Recreation
and Historic Preservation Trust Fund to help finance the new institution,
while U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine and U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez have submitted
requests for federal funding. “The Children’s Museum will
provide opportunities for adults to learn with children though creative
play and interactive experiences,” said Angel G. Estrada, freeholder
chairman. “Being a part of such an exciting and eventful experience
makes all the hard work and dedication worthwhile.”
Registration fees for the 5K race are $17 prior to April 12 and $20 afterward;
and $7 for Kidz Spwints. Visit www.oymp.net, e-mail mzrace@oymp.net
or call (732) 381-0318 for more information or to register. Proceeds will
benefit CMCNJ.
