The fifth annual “Bullis Gives Back” 5K Run/2.5K Walk will take on a new meaning this year as more and more Bullis students are committed to the theme — “Kids Helping Kids.” Besides running in the 5K and walking in the 2.5K, Bullis students will be running and walking with a “buddy” from The Diener School, from K.E.E.N (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) and from The Treatment and Learning Centers/Katherine Thomas School 9TLC/KTS) in an inaugural “Buddy Run.”

Bullis students, staff, families and the entire Potomac community will be coming out to help raise funds — and to enjoy time together making a difference. The proceeds will be donated to these three local organizations which educate and support children with special needs. Additionally, the event will support Habitat for Humanity in three locations where Bullis seniors will be volunteering as their Capstone project before graduation, as well as S.A.F.E. – a fund that covers student activity fees and textbooks for Bullis students in need.

“Our theme this year is ‘Kids Helping Kids,’” said Bullis parent and event co-chair Barbara Guterman. “For the first time this year, a wheelchair accessible Buddy Run has been added to the events so that children of all abilities can participate along with their families.”

Bullis students Lily Ebrahimi-Qajar and Sasha Frye signed up for the race. “I’ve done the race every year,” said Lily. “It’s a lot of fun — and I love that I can be a buddy this year.” Sasha agreed, “I’m just excited to be with the kids.”

The event will be held on Sunday, April 28, on the grounds of the Bullis campus. Race events will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and packet pick-up at the Bullis Stadium. Warm-up exercises will be provided by Clint Khoury of Finally Fit Studio. The Buddy Run will begin at 9:15 a.m., and the starter’s signal will go off at 10 a.m. for the 5K run and at 10:05 for the 2.5K walk. All race participants will receive free t-shirts, food, goody bags and awards. There will be a raffle for a 43-inch flat panel television and for an iPad Mini.

Also new this year is a Fun Festival from 9 – 11 a.m. This festival will include sports centers with Bullis student volunteers from the baseball, softball, track and lacrosse teams. The student athletes will toss balls, teach fundamentals and help youngsters complete an obstacle course. Other activities will include pony rides by Pampered Party Ponies, face painting by Bullis art students, inflatable slides, and more. Food will be donated by Potomac Pizza, snacks by Monumental Vending and gift cards by Mama Lucia. Race emcees will be Carson from MIX 107.3, and Tucker Barnes and Julie Wright, both from Fox 5 News.

Co-chair Michelle Benaim saud that Bullis student Fiona Caldwell was the designer of the race t-shirt. “We are adding a patch to the t-shirt to commemorate the memory of Bullis senior Cami Baruch who passed away last February,” said Benaim. “She served as a volunteer in the ‘Bullis Gives Back’ 5K every year.”

To register for the 5K Run, 2.5K walk and/or the Buddy Run, go to www.Bullis.org/5K. The cost is $10 for Bullis students and $25 for other runners/walkers. Students from The Diener School, from K.E.E.N (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) and from The Treatment and Learning Centers/Katherine Thomas School 9TLC/KTS) who are running, walking or in a wheelchair with a Bullis Buddy are free.

“We’ll have carnival games, raffle prize drawings, exercise warm-ups and plenty of music,” said Guterman, “so whether you want to walk, run or just have fun, there will be something for everyone. It’s a wonderful way for families to spend time together while making a difference.”