While the current COVID-19 Pandemic may have put the dampers on many events, for the 5th annual 5K/1 Mile run to benefit the Michael C. Bustillos Scholarship Fund it was ‘challenges accepted.’
Officials with the annual fundraiser announced Monday they are taking a new route this year, running into the virtual world. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the fundraising run may be completed at the runners’ convenience from August 22 to August 29, 2020.
Funds raised will be used to award a scholarship a UTEP junior or senior pursuing a degree in music education.
After losing her 27-year-old son Michael in a car accident, Terri Gallardo started a scholarship fund in the El Paso Community Foundation to honor his love for music. His family says that one of Michael’s many talents was his ability to listen. Michael was a good student whose goal was to be the best. After college, Michael became the assistant band director at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas.
“The Michael C. Bustillos scholarship is for full-time, undergraduate music majors at UTEP,” scholarship officials share. “The music of his memory will be heard through the students and musicians who take the time to just listen and follow their hearts.”
Since the establishment of the fund in the El Paso Community Foundation in 2008, the Michael C. Bustillos Scholarship Fund has awarded a total of 18 scholarships, funded through various fundraisers and events.
Runners and walkers may sign up at 5kyourway.net and the cost is $20. Runners may use the payment link on the site or write a check to the El Paso Community Foundation with Michael Bustillos Scholarship Fund in the memo line, where the fund is held.
The deadline to sign up is August 21.
Registered runners will receive a gift bag containing a t-shirt, mask, hand sanitizer, granola bar, and runners’ bib. Results will be posted on the website for runners to compare times.
