In a normal year, the Friends Select Auction is a major community event: a time to dress up, enjoy the food and drinks, and bid on items to raise money for the community. Unfortunately, during the COVID 19 Pandemic, this is no longer possible. This year, rather than the auction party, the Friends Select School Family Association is hosting a virtual 5k fundraiser, sponsored by Center City Orthodontics, Future Stars Day Camp, and others. Community members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate alone, with a team, or with their families, via running, walking, or biking.

“It seemed like a year we would have to try something new if we wanted to hit our fundraising goals because we anticipated that many businesses would not be in a position to be as generous as they were in the past,” says Director of Parent Programs Molly Mullahy. “This event has something for everyone. If staying home and bidding for auction items is your thing, we want you, if instigating a friendly competition among advisories is your thing, we want you too!” she adds. 

Rachel Luce ‘21 and Elena Milliken ‘22 will participate in a 5k as a team. “I’m excited to give back to the school that has given so much to me over the last fourteen years,” says Rachel.

The virtual fundraiser will take place from March 12th through March 21st. Participants can register without setting up a public 5k fundraiser page and will receive a finisher’s medal and a bandana upon raising $25. Participants can also set up a public customizable page and attach pictures, videos, link their Facebook feeds, and attach their Strava accounts, an internet service platform with social network features that tracks exercise like cycling and running. Here is a video to help with setting up the 5k fundraising page. Participants are encouraged to share their page with the FSS Facebook event page, which has the latest updates, a 5k training plan, and motivational playlists – make sure to use the hashtag ‘#FSS5K’ when posting! Partakers can also email any pictures and videos to [email protected] if they don’t have social media.

After registering, participants are free to complete their 5k through various modes of exercise any time between March 12-21, recording their route with Strava or uploading content to their 5k fundraising website.

 The online auction opens Friday, March 12th, and the bidding and will finish at 10 pm on Saturday, March 20th. 

Contributions will “directly support Friends Select students and teachers through the Friend Select Fund,” focusing particularly on implementing new health and safety measures like COVID testing, support staff, and technology needs. 

The theme of the 2021 auction is “In Community, In Spirit,” which is especially pertinent for fostering community and remaining true to the school mission statement while being physically apart and socially distant. In keeping with “the Whole of Life,” participation in this activity provides a hands-on learning experience while simultaneously helping to serve the community. According to the fundraising page, Friends Select hopes that the program will “be a way for families and friends to ask questions, spark curiosity, and empower students to explore.”

Email Molly Mullahy at [email protected] with any questions.