Students enrolled in the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Introduction to Sport Event Management course are organizing a 5K “Trot for Tots” in an effort to raise money for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The race will take place on Friday, December 2 at the Habersham Marketplace in Beaufort. The “Trot for Tots” is being hosted as a warm up to the Savannah Bridge Run, which takes place the following morning.
“We hope that the ‘Trot for Tots’ will promote health and fitness in the local community,” said sport event management professor Keri Olivetti. “The students have also decided to use this race as a platform to give to those who may be struggling during the holiday season by collecting toys for Toys for Tots. All of the money raised from this race will be donated to Toys for Tots as well.”
Every component of the ‘Trot for Tots’ has been managed by the 37 students who are currently enrolled in the Introduction to Sport and Event Management course offered through the Department of Hospitality Management at USCB.  In organizing The Trot for Tots, the class divided into three teams (Marketing, Environment, and Celebration), each focusing on a different aspect of the race. Students have been responsible for everything: finding a venue, securing sponsors, designing a logo, creating awards, and promoting the event.
Not only is the race an opportunity for USCB students to give back to the community, but it provides real world experience in the planning and management of an event. In an effort to make this year’s race the best yet, students are offering a reduced registration fee for those who sign up early, are in the military, or bring a toy to support the cause. The students chose to support Toys for Tots because of the strong ties to Marines in the local community.
For more information or to register, please view: http://www.wix.com/uscbtrot4tots/uscbtrot4tots#%21.