Totally Excellent!

TFAE Run for Excellence to benefit local education

The 18th annual Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) Run for Excellence and Food Fest presented by TGMC Community Sports Institute will return to Downtown Houma Saturday, May 12. Proceeds from the event benefit TFAE’s mission to support education. 

This popular race travels through historic downtown Houma, ending at the Houma Courthouse Square where you can then enjoy the best after party in town. With more than 1,000 race participants and more than 3,000 attendees, the TFAE Run for Excellence is one of the largest 5K and after parties in town.

“TFAE 5K Run for Excellence and Food Fest is the longest running Main Street event in Houma,” said Katie Portier, TFAE Executive Director. “I think that speaks to how wonderful this event really is. People love to come out, enjoy the race and festival and give back to the community. It’s truly the best after party in the area.”

 Not a runner or walker? That’s okay! You don’t have to be a race participant to get in on the fun – you can meet us at the Food Fest! Enjoy the live music by the high-energy Category 6 while you enjoy all-you-can-eat food from local food partners and all-you-can-drink beverages in the Michelob Ultra Food Court. There’s something for everyone! The Shell Kids Corner has plenty of games and activities for children to learn, play, and enjoy.

“One thing that makes it unique is that once you pay your admission fee (or race fee), you don’t take out another penny while here,” explains Portier. “It’s all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink and I think people appreciate that it is all inclusive. Nowhere else can you try such a variety and vast amount fantastic food, drink cold beers, and enjoy live music quite like our event. It’s a great party that you can feel good about because by attending, you are also supporting the education of local students.”

This year, TFAE welcomes Ainsley’s Angels to join in the race where “angels” donate their time to participate in the race with children and adults with special needs. 

“We are so excited to have Ainsley’s Angels join us at our 5K this year,” says Portier. “This is a wonderful organization that allows anyone with a disability that prevents them from racing on their own to participate in the 5K as an Angel Athlete-Rider at no cost. On race day, riders are paired with an Angel Runner, a volunteer who has the honor of helping the rider reach the finish line.”

Pre-register for the race or get all the details at www.runforexcellence.com. Pre-registration ends May 4. Race day registration (May 12) begins at 3 p.m. The Kid’s Fun Run starts at 5:30 p.m., while the 5K starts at 6 p.m. The Food Fest will open at 6:30 p.m. 

“We invite the community to come enjoy this fun family-friendly event in beautiful downtown Houma,” Portier said. “It’s a chance to have a fun night while supporting the education of our local children. I’m so proud to be a part of this organization and further our mission.”

The Run for Excellence is sponsored by TGMC Community Sports Institute, Michelob Ultra, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Greg LeBlanc Toyota, Rushing Media, Busy Bee Clinic, McDonalds, Evamor, LeBlanc & Associates, Regions Bank, TBS SPARK Foundation, South Louisiana Bank, Shell Pipeline Company, Apache Corporation, Synergy Bank, Terminix, and Kiwanis Club of Houma. 

TFAE is an independent non-profit organization who awards many grants each year to public school teachers for supplies, innovative projects, technology, and more. TFAE is also the Funding Champion of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, where all registered children ages 0-5 receive an age-appropriate book mailed to their home every month at no cost to their family. The Run for Excellence is TFAE’s biggest fundraiser and supports these efforts. 

“With the support of the community and generous donations, TFAE has been able to truly have an impact on our local community,” Portier said. “We are an independent non-profit organization that works to support educational efforts in Terrebonne Parish. Since our inception, we have awarded over ONE MILLION in grant dollars to Terrebonne public school teachers, who use these grants for supplies, resources for innovative projects and ideas, technology, and more. With these grant dollars, teachers can help make their vision a reality while engaging and connecting with their students. In addition, TFAE is the Funding champion of our local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. We currently have more than 2,800 children registered in the program (currently receiving books), and more than 4,200 have ‘graduated.’ To date, we have mailed more than 178,000 books directly to the hands of children to help them learn, read, and become prepared for school.” •

TFAE