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Contact: Camille Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability is announcing its 9th annual “Trick or Trot” fun run will take place on Friday, Oct. 22.

Open to individuals of all ages, the center invites members of campus and the surrounding communities to run, walk or stroll during the center’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The one-mile course will feature music and cheer stations for people to hand out candy and stickers as well as cheering for all the runners. Everyone is encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., with the fun run starting at 6 p.m.

“We are so excited for our annual fun run to be back this year!” said McKenzie Foster, teacher aide at the center. “It’s always such a fun event for our families, the Starkville community and surrounding areas. It’s a great way for businesses to advertise while also supporting our center and the work we do.”

The “Trick-or-Trot” fun run will start at the T.K. Martin Center and follow a one-mile loop through campus that ends back at the facility. Participants can register in person at the center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at . Entry fees are $25 for individuals, and $50 for families which includes registration for up to five members. Event proceeds will benefit the T.K. Martin Center’s special needs preschool and elementary school programs.

“Every year our students and families look forward to the ‘Trick or Trot’ fun run. The cheer stations and excitement around this event reminds our students and families of the support they have in our center and in our greater community,” said Kasee Stratton-Gadke, director. “It’s a fun family event, so come run, walk or stroll your way through the one mile and enjoy supporting our world-class team of educators and therapists. Your participation will impact the lives of many students and families in our community.”

The T.K. Martin Center houses the Project IMPACT preschool program, which has offered a continuum of early intervention services free of charge to enrich the lives of young children with various special needs, along with their families, since fall 2000. Center-based services are available five days per week, with morning and afternoon classes. These services consist of three preschool classrooms and one elementary classroom led by early childhood special education teachers and therapists. The students are encouraged to progress in five areas of development, including cognition, language, motor, adaptive and social-emotional. In addition to academic instruction, speech, occupational and physical therapy also are provided to those age 3 years or older who are eligible.

Sponsorship donation packages are available ranging from $100 to $5,000 including recognition at the event, logo on banner, and signs along the race route. Please contact the center at 662-325-1028 for more information on becoming a sponsor. 

Learn more about the T.K Martin Center at .

Established in 1903, MSU’s College of Education is home to six academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units. For more about the college, visit .

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