Kentlands Community Foundation Donates Funds for Gaithersburg Summer Camp Scholarships
Posted 12/11/2009

At a Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, December 7, 2009 Kentlands Community Foundation Vice Chair Dennis Stiles, Foundation Director Bridget Ryder and Race Director Steve Solbeck presented City officials with a check for $10,500.  The donation represents a portion of the proceeds from the 16th Annual Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Race and Kids Fun Run, held on September 5, 2009.  The donation to the City is earmarked for the Dolores Swoyer Fund, providing summer camp opportunities to City of Gaithersburg residents who might not otherwise be afforded these enriching educational and recreational experiences. 

As a nonprofit, philanthropic organization, the Kentlands Community Foundation hosts the 5K Race to raise funds, promote volunteerism and showcase the benefits of new urbanism and walkable communities.  In 2009 the race drew over 1,800 runners and was supported by more than 240 volunteers.  The 2009 race also served as one event for the Maryland Senior Olympics, hosted by Montgomery County.  Eighty year old Dorothy Stewart of Gaithersburg was the oldest female athlete; and 85-year old Charles Boyle ran the race in under 39 minutes, ahead of hundreds of younger runners.  Winners of the Women’s and Men’s races each posted new 5K course records.

Donations for summer camp scholarships are accepted throughout the year.  For more information on the Dolores Swoyer Camp Scholarship Fund and the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K Race, please contact Michele Potter, Director of Gaithersburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at 301-258-6350 or mpotter@gaithersburgmd.gov.