Fox Chapel Area telethon includes virtual 5K to benefit Sharpsburg Community Library

A virtual 5K run/walk will step off this weekend to benefit the Sharpsburg Community Library.

Hosted by the Fox Chapel Area community outreach club, the event is part of fundraising efforts for the annual high school telethon which, for the second year, will support the library along Main Street.

Participants can lace up their shoes and walk or run on a treadmill or their favorite trail. The cost is $10.

Jill McConnell, executive director of the library, said the community support is vital to keeping the facility afloat.

“It has been wonderful,” she said.

Money from the telethon will pay for much-needed storage solutions, McConnell said.

A portion will also be spent on wayfinding signs and new furniture for a dedicated teen space at the branch.

“Thanks to the telethon, Sharpsburg Community Library has been able to sustain its programs and services to the community throughout the pandemic,” McConnell said.

The high school telethon is in its 31^st year. It is coordinated by the student government and digital media production students, who plan and produce the event.

Typically hosted just before the holiday break, students from all six district schools participate in fundraising for weeks leading up to event.

Bonnie Berzonski, district coordinator of communications, said last year’s telethon raised $46,521 for the library.

WOW!

Fox Chapel Area School District's annual telethon raised $45,400 (and counting!) for the Sharpsburg Community Library!

Thank you to everyone who assisted with our telethon or donated!#FCProud ?

— Fox Chapel Area SD (@FCASD) December 20, 2019

Students in the district have donated more than $901,950 to various local and regional charities through the annual telethon over the past 30 years, she said.

The Sharpsburg Community Library is a branch of the Cooper-Siegel Community Library and offers a full range of library services such as computers for public use; DVDs and books on CD; programs for adults; and extensive classes for children that include story times, chess club and STEAM lessons.

Participants of the virtual 5K can snap a picture from their walk and email it to mcintyre_riley@student.fcasd.edu to receive a certificate. Mark 5K on the subject line.

To register, send a check to FCAHS Activities, 611 Field Club Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Checks should be made payable to FCAHS Activities. Write 5K on the memo line.