The Hills-Beaver Creek Community Education Committee strives to find a balance between funding shortages and quality programs.

Members of the program look to new sources of funding, especially in recent years as donations have decreased. This winter they hosted a soup supper and hope to bring in more donations at a 5K Fun Run/Walk that is scheduled for March 13.

The group collects money at game concessions, as well as from local businesses, government and individual sponsorships.

The money is used to fund T-ball, elementary and middle school baseball, girls’ fast pitch softball, gun safety classes, elementary basketball, martial arts and snow skiing.

These programs need coaches and equipment.

The registration fee for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day 5K event will help cover many of those costs for this summer’s baseball and softball programs.

Stacen Burgers, who serves on the Community Education Committee, is planning the event, along with his wife, Donna.

The couple owns Around the Clock Fitness and Tanning in Hills. They have hosted a similar event as part of the Hills Friendship Days schedule.

They are hoping to draw a festive crowd of people looking to celebrate community programs and the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

Runners and walkers of every level are welcome to participate.

Donna said, “This is a 5K walk or run and it’s about having fun … between neighbors and friends, as well as raising money, so we can provide active, fun activities for our communities.”

The race element is being downplayed to encourage a larger and more diverse group, yet those who do manage to cross the finish line first will be rewarded with gift certificates to local businesses.

The Burgerses are hoping people will come dressed in green and have made an effort to keep the St. Patrick’s Day theme throughout the event.

“We are serving green Gatorade and are going to have green decorations throughout the course.”

Last-minute registrants are welcome and can sign up the morning of the event at the starting line on Main Ave. in Hills. Look for the crowd in front of the Around the Clock Fitness and Tanning Center. Racers will follow the 5K Friendship Days course, heading out to Rez Park before weaving back through town.