Anderson Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its third annual Color Run Sept. 25, continuing the fundraising tradition. Photo courtesy of Anderson PTO

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Anderson Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its third annual Color Run Sept. 25, continuing a fundraising tradition that supports student programs while bringing families together for a day of school spirit and outdoor fun.

The Anderson PTO, recognized as Dixon's 2025 Nonprofit of the Year during the Celebrate Dixon awards in March, organizes the event to raise money for student activities, classroom resources and campus improvements.

Lindsay Snyder, an Anderson Elementary teacher and PTO member, said her dual role helps bridge the needs of students and the organization's efforts.

“I love that I can share the needs of students to our PTO because of my firsthand interactions with students,” said Snyder. “At the end of the day, everything the PTO does is for our Roadrunners. We have a large group of adults with all different ideas and perspectives that want the best for our kids.”

The Color Run began after the PTO partnered with Booster for a successful school read-a-thon. The inaugural event was held at John Knight Middle School after Anderson Elementary students were temporarily relocated because of a power outage. The event was open to the community and proved popular enough to become an annual tradition.

The 2025 event marked the first Color Run held on the Anderson Elementary campus during the school day.

“It takes place during the school day and allows kids to be outside, running or walking and getting messy,” said Snyder. “It's a great way to make memories and to raise funds for our school.”

During the event, students are grouped by grade level and have about 30 minutes to walk or run laps around the school's track. Families can watch from a designated viewing area in the center of the track. Students may choose whether they want colored powder tossed on them or prefer to remain color-free.

The Dixon Fire Department joins parent volunteers in throwing the colored powder, and every student and staff member receives a commemorative event T-shirt provided by the PTO. At the conclusion of the event, leaf blowers are used to gently remove the color powder.

Funds raised through the Color Run will support physical education equipment, art classroom supplies and the PTO's campaign to purchase a new digital marquee for the school. The electronic sign will display announcements, school events and other information for families.

Snyder said PTO fundraising has made a measurable difference for students.

“Last year our Color Run funds allowed the fourth grade to take our annual field trip to Coloma because they helped support bus costs,” she said. “Bus costs are outrageous and schools do not have funding for them. We were able to take the trip with no cost to our students.”

She said parent volunteers remain essential to the success of the organization's events.

“Whether they are helping pass out prizes, distributing flyers, posting graphics to social media or throwing color, we couldn't do it without them,” said Snyder. “Their commitment and dedication is appreciated and the efforts do not go unnoticed.”

Beyond the Color Run, the PTO plans to introduce new spirit wear, including hoodies for the first time, while continuing established campus traditions throughout the school year. The organization also will host its annual Fall Festival in late October and welcomes partnerships with local businesses and community members interested in supporting Anderson Elementary.

“We look forward to another fantastic year,” said Snyder. “Thank you to the amazing students, families, staff and community for always continuing to show up and support Anderson.”

For more information, visit Anderson Elementary PTO on Facebook or email [email protected].