Dream Big in Color Run raises $31,375

QUINCY — The annual Dream Big in Color Run was held in person, for the first time in two years, on April 23. The student-driven fundraiser raised money for the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, which provides financial support for teaching key areas in the district, including curriculum, technology, athletics and fine arts. 

Supported by teacher Ben Dombroski, the QHS Leadership Class took the lead in soliciting sponsorships for the color run, reaching out to local businesses and individuals to help offset the costs of the event.  

“Giving my students the opportunity to give back to the community and school that helped raise them is such a great experience,” Dombroski said in a press release. “Taking initiative in bettering our community is an important lesson for our students to learn, and I am thankful for the opportunity for them to do so.” 

The Leadership Class is a real-world exercise for QHS juniors to experience event management, fundraising and leadership. In taking on the mission of the QPS Foundation, students must interact with business leaders and others in the community to gain support for public education.  

“The Color Run is a unique, fun experience,” Audra Cain, QHS leadership student, said. “If you are in Quincy, you need to do it at least once.” 

The class raised $31,375 this year, the most the Dream Big in Color Run has raised in the history of the event.  

“Working with the Leadership Class on the Color Run is a great way for students to see how a fundraising event is planned, from start to finish,” Lindsay Knudson, QPS Foundation interim executive director, said. “They get to experience all aspects of the process and feel good about helping raise money for their school.”   

Planning for next year’s 10^th annual Dream Big in Color Run is already under way. The foundation hopes to celebrate that milestone with more food truck options and entertainment and an increase in participants.