Walking School Bus program searches for funding

COLUMBIA — A 4-year-old Columbia program that encourages an active and healthy lifestyle for children has reached a financial roadblock.

The Columbia Walking School Bus program, which recruits volunteer chaperones to help kids walk to school safely, is working to find the $75,000 needed for the 2009-2010 school year.

The program is run by the PedNet Coalition, an organization that promotes walking, bicycling and wheelchair accessibility to improve public health and promote active living.

Ian Thomas, executive director of the PedNet Coalition, said the program has grown substantially over the years. This spring, 450 children and 120 volunteers at 11 elementary schools participated.

Despite its successful expansion, the program is having trouble finding the money to continue. In the past, the program has survived on grants, with the most recent award from GetAbout Columbia. That 18-month grant expired in April, and another contract from the federally funded program will not be issued this school year, Thomas said.

Jill Stedem, spokeswoman for the Columbia Public Works Department, said they didn’t renew the $124,827 grant for the Walking School Bus this year because GetAbout Columbia has less funding now and wants programs that show an immediate shift from motor vehicles to bicycles by 2010.

The city wanted programs it could control itself after the GetAbout funding expires in 2010, and the Walking School Bus is a part of the PedNet Coalition, Stedem said.

Thomas said the $75,000 budget includes everything from the salaries of the program coordinator and interns to the cost of  volunteer background checks and snacks for the volunteers and children.

To obtain the amount needed, Thomas said there is an ongoing fundraising campaign with various opportunities for the community to donate, but no events will be held.

“We decided not to do events because our research shows that events are just a massive drain of time and energy and don’t really raise much money,” Thomas said.

Instead, they will be asking PedNet members to pay for their membership in exchange for perks, such as a PedNet premium card with discounts from local sponsors. Members who donate more will also receive tickets for a restaurant sampling and a dessert reception in September, depending on their membership level.

Thomas said new and old members can also decide to be basic members for free.

PedNet will also ask for small local grants to provide money or materials needed, in addition to appealing to wealthy members to see if they will make a major gift donation, Thomas said.

Thomas said the PedNet board even pledged to raise 10 percent of the budget needed itself, and it has almost accomplished that goal.

Margy Tonnies, program coordinator for the Walking School Bus program, said it also receives money from the state to host workshops. Members of the program visit communities around the state to provide information to those interested in starting their own Walking School Bus.

“In the workshops, we cover everything from how to start a program, develop relationships with the community, find and train volunteers, and design a safe route to school,” Tonnies said.

Thomas said regardless of how much money they raise, the program will continue.

“Some of us will have to volunteer our time to keep it going, and we may not be able to expand as much as we would like to, but we will find a way to make it happen,” he said.

Tonnies said the program has been very successful so far, which is why it needs to continue.

“We have had great responses from teachers, because the more active children are the better they are able to learn,” Tonnies said. “The kids also have a lot of fun since it’s like recess before school and an opportunity to be with friends.”

Thomas said the program is also a vital asset for a healthy and environmentallyconscious community like Columbia.

“Columbia is getting a growing national reputation as a community that values health and environmental issues,” Thomas said. “As we keep our program going, we continue to maintain Columbia’s reputation.”

In the end, Thomas said communities that continue programs like the Walking School Bus will be the ones that thrive.

“The communities that are gearing up for a more active living are the ones that are going to be successful in the future,” Thomas said.