Community Foundation outlines inaugural 'Connected Community 5K' to benefit schools and local initiatives

A Community Foundation representative (identified in the meeting as Beth Davis) presented plans for the Connected Community 5K, an inaugural fundraising run scheduled for May 10, 2025. Davis said proceeds will be held by the Community Foundation and earmarked for Bedford County Schools and local initiatives; earlier foundation-led grants included teacher awards totaling $10,700 this year and a mental-health program funded at $30,000 via Leadership Bedford Youth Group.

Davis said the organizer's initial target is 1,000 participants with hopes to reach 2,000–3,000 for the race and associated festival. She described coordination with schools (each school asked to recruit teams equal to 10% of enrollment), planned certified course routing (starting on the Square and passing the arena), and support from local partners for training programs.

Council asked about the legal/organizational structure; Davis confirmed the Community Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3). Councilors also requested clarification about where funds will be held and how they will be distributed; Davis said funds will be earmarked at the foundation and directed back to schools and community initiatives as designated.

Next steps: Organizers will continue outreach to schools, businesses and partner groups; council did not take formal action at the study session.