IRVINE- In chilly 50 degree weather, thousands of Irvine residents crowded to the Tustin Marketplace to participate in the 22nd annual Dino Dash, the main fundraiser for the Tustin Public Schools Foundation. A myriad of runners and bikers could be seen racing in the 2, 5, and 10K run/walks and in the 50K cycling tour on November fourth.
“The Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to working with the local community and utilizing its resources to better education for students in Tustin,” according to its website. The TPSF sponsors many academic-related events and fundraisers for Tustin schools; the main one being the Dino Dash. Participants were able to race and have fun, eat a few snacks, and occasionally see the green dinosaur mascot of the Dino Dash.
The importance of the Dino Dash was that it offered an opportunity for the community to get involved. Businesses and clubs were able to gain exposure through the event and sell products or spread awareness to a cause. Ryan Salmasi, a high school student and also the president of the Beckman chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities commented, “It was a great event because it brought people closer together and we were able to gain success for our club by selling fruit and bagels to the racers.”
Dino Dash participants were an eclectic bunch; some were high school athletes just coming off of a season of cross country, and some were parents pushing strollers and watching their children run. The beauty of the event was found in the diversity of people participating to raise funds to support public education at a time when it is threatened by budget troubles. One truly received a sense of community and fellowship at the Dino Dash.
All in all, the Dino Dash was a success; raising money for Tustin schools while also creating a fun event for the community to partake in. Slotted as one of the biggest events of the year, Dino Dash did not disappoint; many people went away satisfied and already in anticipation of next year’s Dash; Beckman student Michelle Chuang said, “Dino Dash is always fun and this one was no different. I hope the next one matches and exceeds expectations!”
Jay Choi
Jay Choi is a junior at Beckman High and a new editor for the Spring Semester. An avid musician, he enjoys playing the clarinet and saxophone and listening to all types of music. He spends his free time hanging out with his friends and playing improvised jazz solos. He hopes to make a positive contribution to JSR and looks forward to the semester.
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