Edwards S. Rhodes Elementary School held its annual fundraiser, It Takes a Village 5K and 1K Fun Run, last Friday at Pawtuxet Park.

Families and friends came out to support and participate in the activities. Music from local adult and kid bands at You Rock School of Music (16 bands) played throughout the day, keeping the energy up and feet moving on the grass.

There were more than 30+ local businesses and sponsors for the race. The free T-shirts and drawstring bags were thanks to one of the sponsors, Coastal Cabinets. And for the first time, both of Edgewood’s public elementary schools, Rhodes and Edgewood Highland Elementary School, partnered for the fundraiser.

According to the director of the race, Geoff Decker, the idea started back in March when the Rhodes Parent Teacher Association and the Edgewood-Highland Parent Teacher Organization wanted to find a way to work together.

He said the hope and expectation is that the event will get even stronger through this collaboration next year and beyond.

Final count for entries was at 370 sign-ups for both races, well above last year’s total of 290.