We're back, baby!
Join us again at beautiful Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner for the 2nd Annual Bright Ideas 5K sponsored by PARIC and Cooperative Building Solutions. This unique all-terrain race kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 and winds through the park's trails against the backdrop of a blackwater cypress swamp in full bloom. The best part is that the race helps raise money to directly benefit local teachers through our Bright Ideas educational grant program. Proceeds from the race fund grants of up to $1,500 to support innovative and effective classroom projects that aren't otherwise covered by the school. These grants are awarded annually to teachers in public and private K-12 schools in Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area.
Sign up now and take advantage of the $35 early bird pricing which includes an official race shirt and a pretty snazzy medal. The race sold out last year so don't miss your chance to romp in the swamp this spring!
ATTN. TEACHERS! We are accepting grant applications so apply before February 28th.
Your participation makes it possible for Berkeley Electric to help fund quality classroom education that directly benefits local students and teachers. We have awarded nearly $80,000 in grants within the past seven years. Thank you for your support!
SIGN-UP ONLINE
Date: April 22, 2023
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road • Moncks Corner, SC 29461
The race will feature a shotgun start with timed racing bibs. The race course has also been modified to eliminate the unimproved portion of the Southern Nature Trail, however, it still features a mix of paved, gravel and dirt trails. Strollers are not allowed.
Cypress Gardens is a gorgeous blackwater swamp located in Berkeley county. It has been featured in national magazines, popular television shows and motion pictures including The Notebook and The Patriot. Attractions include picturesque views along 3.5 miles of trails, swamp boat tours, an aquarium/reptile center and more!
Parking is free until the start of the race at 8 a.m. Be sure to join us at the race village after the run to honor local teachers receiving a Bright Ideas Grant. Don't forget that your race fee includes admission to Cypress Gardens so feel free to explore after the event.
Your sponsorship not only makes this event possible it also makes a difference in the lives of Lowcountry students and teachers!
For more information please contact:
Libby Roerig, Manager of Communications
Berkeley Electric Cooperative
843-719-8531 / libbyr@bec.coop
The Bright Ideas Education Grant Program supports innovative and effective classroom education curriculum that cannot be covered by traditional school financing. Individual teachers can apply for grants up to $1,000 while teams of teachers are eligible for grants up to $1,500.
Teachers in public and private schools, K-12 in Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area are eligible to participate. Grants are awarded for projects in any discipline and are intended to help teachers within Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area produce a better-educated workforce. The grants are designed to help teachers introduce innovative teaching methods.
Grants are awarded annually in a competitive evaluation process. Applications are accepted January-February annually.
Congratulations to our 2022 Grant Winners
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Moncks Corner Elementary - Making a Scene
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Hanahan Elementary - Elementary School Garden
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Charleston Collegiate, Thinking Outside the Flock
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Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School, SPED Chromebooks
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Cane Bay High, Ceramic Arts for Marine Life Awareness
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Sangaree Middle, Student Engagement in a Post-COVID World
Take on the run in style with some of our official race swag! Visit the online store so you can be one of the best dressed racers in the swamp.
Bright Ideas 5K Run/Walk