Local autism nonprofit The ACRES Project will host its inaugural Halloween Hustle 5K fundraiser on Sunday, with participants of all ages welcome to run, jog or walk at their own pace and encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes.
“We wanted to do something fun and silly for a fundraiser and the idea of seeing Spiderman and Bluey racing in a 5K just made us smile. It was an instant yes,” Bella Bregar, ACRES Project founder and executive director, said in a news release.
The noncompetitive, family and pet-friendly fun run will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Sidney Friedman Parklet, 241 S Fraser St., State College.
Participants should register in advance at www.runsignup.com/acreshalloweenhustle.
Registration is $20 per person and benefits The ACRES Project’s community-funded programs which foster independence, social opportunities and work/life skills for local adults with autism.
Registered participants will receive a free T-shirt, Halloween treats from Dunkin Donuts and entry into a costume contest, with categories for kids, adults, groups and pets. The best costumes in each category will receive prizes donated by Discovery Space, Wegmans, University Wine Company and Acres Artisans.
Other activities at the parklet will include pumpkin decorating, Halloween games, a candy giveaway and kid-friendly crafts. After the event, participants are encouraged can visit Doggies Pub, 108 S. Pugh St., for 10% off all food items, with all discounts donated to The ACRES Project.
Halloween-themed drinks will also be available.
The ACRES Project partnered with the Penn State sorority Alpha Xi Delta to organize the event.
“We have had a lot of fun planning this event and learning about The ACRES Project,” Alex Shulman, Alpha Xi Delta’s Philanthropy Vice President, said. “We can’t wait to help host this event for the community and this wonderful nonprofit.”
To learn more about The ACRES Project and the Halloween Hustle, visit www.acresproject.org.
