Halverson Elementary School kicked off the school year with its annual fall picnic, attended by more than 500 students, staff and family members.

This event almost fell victim to budget cuts, after the economic recession hurt the parent-teacher organization’s fundraiser, which pays for the picnic, field trips and some supplies for the school.

 Given the event’s importance in building relationships among families and staff, the parent-teacher organization — SPIRIT — decided to seek outside support to keep it on the calendar. And SPIRIT was not disappointed. Donations saved the Halverson Elementary fall picnic. The following businesses donated food to the picnic: Burger King, Cargill Value Added Meats, County Market, Hormel, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, McDonald’s, Quiznos and Ole’s East Side Shell. The Kiwanis Golden K I and several parents also provided cash donations to help with picnic expenses.

As Blue Zones leaders have emphasized over the summer, relationships are a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. This annual picnic helps parents build networks of support with each other and with school staff, while giving the students a chance to socialize in a safe and nurturing place

Halverson SPIRIT thanked everyone who donated to the picnic. No property taxes or other government funding goes toward the picnic or other events that SPIRIT sponsors. These items are all funded by donations and SPIRIT fundraisers.