Regatta Run celebrates 10th year with record numbers

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On October 21, a record 614 people registered for the Regatta Run, an annual community event which commemorates the life and legacy of Corporal Matthew Lembke. We came together, as we have done for the past 10 years, to participate in a short, beautiful 5K course through Tualatin Community Park. The weather was unprecedented- a gorgeous Oregon fall morning, the participants- a record number this year (525-550) who walked, jogged, and ran in honor and remembrance of Matt. This event is one like no other- the cause is obvious, the community spirit is amazing- Sponsorship is a reflection of that, Tualatin High School FBLA members build the balloon arch before the sun comes up, former classmates arrive and give hugs along with their families, some volunteer at the registration table or participate, TUHS Crimsonnaires sing the National Anthem, Young Marine Cadets present the colors, John Erikson MC’s, Freeze Frame Photography takes photos, volunteers cheer and help wherever needed. We have a WONDERFUL community in Tualatin.

We are excited to announce that with the record number of registrations, and record sponsorship, we have exceeded the previous record of race proceeds raised for the Corporal Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarship Fund. Last spring (2018) we awarded a record $28,000 in college scholarships to deserving Tualatin High School graduates, and for the class of 2019, we will be able to award $30,000. Thank you to all who sponsored the event, participated or volunteered, shared our event with your friends, and got to witness that the spirit and legacy of Matt Lembke is alive and well in Tualatin. For graduating seniors in the class of 2019, start thinking about who you can ask to write a letter of recommendation for you. The criteria for the scholarship are: Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Service to Others. Applications will be available in the College & Career Center in the Tualatin High Library after the first of the year.

We do have a few needs that we are hoping we can fill with a new in-kind sponsor, to reduce the costs of putting on the event so that more money can go into the scholarship fund in the future. These needs are:

1) making the medals that we award for male and female age group winners, as well as the overall male and female winners

2) sound equipment(battery-powered)- four speakers, a microphone, and enough power for all to hear

3) professional printing: roughly 150 posters, 25 New Sponsor brochures, and about 300 rack cards

4) a t-shirt sponsor (roughly 650 tshirts)

Once again, thank you for the tremendous support and we hope to see you next year!
To find out more or get involved with next year’s event, please visit regattarun.com.