DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac elementary students will soon be lacing up their running shoes and preparing to walk the track at Dowagiac Middle School as part of an annual fundraiser.

Parent Teacher Organizations with Dowagiac elementary schools will host the second annual Chieftain Spirit Walk from 10 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Dowagiac Middle School track, 57072 Riverside Dr., Dowagiac. For the walk, students at Dowagiac elementary schools will be collecting pledges from friends and family members before walking with their classmates. The event will also feature a bounce house and a balloonist.

Registration is $10 per participant.

All proceeds from the event will be used to fund projects, assemblies and field trips for all four elementary schools: Patrick Hamilton Elementary, Justus Gage Elementary, Sister Lakes Elementary and Kincheloe Elementary.

“The event brings the kids together in one place, trying to achieve the same goal,” said Shelly Myers-Henry, an organizer with the event. “It was successful last year, and we are hopeful that it will be successful again this year.”

Myers-Henry said she believes the event is important not only because it raises funds for student activities that they might not have otherwise been able to experience, but because it also allows all four elementary schools to work together.

“The students from one school get to interact with the students from the other schools,” she said. “It’s nice for us all to work together.”

Currently, organizers for the Chieftain Spirit Walk are seeking sponsors for the event. Those who donate $100 or more will become gold level sponsors. Gold level sponsors will have their business name featured on the Chieftain Spirit Walk T-shirt, banner, Facebook page and flyers.  Their business name will also be announced at the event.

Those who donate $50 will become silver level sponsors. Silver level sponsors will have their business name featured on the Chieftain Spirit Walk banner, Facebook page and flyers. Their business name will also be announced at the event.

“There is still time to be a sponsor,” Myers-Henry said. “Being a sponsor is a chance for a company to promote their business while also supporting the students, teachers and staff at Dowagiac elementary schools.”

With the date of the second Chieftain Spirit Walk steadily approaching, Myers Henry said that she would encourage anyone to participate in the event, whether as a sponsor or an attendee.

“It’s a great event,” she said. “It’s fun. It’s a chance to get together with your classmates and enjoy the day. It will be a great time.”

For more information or to become an event sponsor, contact Myers-Henry at shellymyers@cressyeverett.com or by calling (269) 876-7358.