Last Saturday, Redmond Elementary School’s first “Rock ‘n’ Walk,” a new spring fundraiser sponsored by the Redmond Elementary PTSA, raised more than $7,500 through raffle tickets, food sales and pledges.

In years past, Redmond Elementary held a large event called the Hawk Walk and Run at Redmond Town Center. The Rock ‘n’ Walk event was also designed to promote fitness and family fun, but on a smaller scale, so that volunteers could enjoy the event as much as attendees.

Students set goals for how many laps they would walk around the field outside Redmond Elementary and collected pledges from family members, friends and neighbors. Prizes were given for most pledges collected and most laps walked.

Students also learned dances such as The Electric Slide and Macarena. “The Bubbleman,” entertainer Garry Golightly, amused the crowd with his tricks.

Raffle prizes included themed gift baskets and an off-road bike.

Money raised at the Rock ‘n’ Walk will be used toward student-focused programs such as art and science programs, assemblies, field trips and emergency preparedness supplies.