ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — While a vote affecting the future of Baldwin County students is less than a week away, three events scheduled for this weekend in Central Baldwin County are designed to benefit students and area youth.

Bear Crawl Color Run

The Robertsdale Elementary School Running Club invites residents to put a little color into their weekend with the Second Annual Bear Crawl Color Run, set for Saturday, March 28.

The race begins and ends at Robertsdale Elementary School with proceeds from the event going to help build a track at the school for practices.

The running club was formed in 2013 with the goal of participating in one competition per month, said Amanda Fuller, who took over as faculty advisor for the group this year.

Saturday’s race will be the group’s third competition of 2015, participating in The Gator Chase in Spanish Fort in January and the Armadillo Dash at Rosinton School in February.

“We actually had the largest group of participants in that race,” Fuller said.

Approximately 45 runners in grades 3 through 6 from Robertsdale Elementary participate in the program.

“This is just a great group of students who are all dedicated to this program,” she said. “We practice once a week and they always show up on time, dressed and ready to go. And they are always there at events to serve as the best representatives our school could possibly have.”

Late registration for this year’s race will begin at 7 a.m. at the school, with a “color bomb explosion” of dyed corn starch will be let loose on the runners at 7:45 a.m. The 5K race is set to begin at 8 a.m. with the 1-mile fun run immediately following. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for students.

Registration forms can be picked up at the school before the day of the race. Packet pickup will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. the day before the race.

This year’s race will be an untimed event, Fuller said. Door prizes will be given away following the race.

For more information contact Fuller or Kim Dean at Robertsdale Elementary School. 251-947-4003. Information is also available on the City of Robertsdale’s Website, robertsdale.org, or on the Robertsdale Elementary School Web page, bcbe.org/robertsdaleelem. You can also like the Robertsdale Elementary Running Club page on Facebook.

Martha "Ann" Hinton Memorial Scholarship Ride

Also this weekend, the Fire & Iron Station 1001 Firefighters Motorcycle Club will host the second annual Martha “Ann” Hinton Memorial Scholarship Ride which benefits a scholarship fund set up in memory of the longtime Loxley educator that was killed last year.

This year’s ride begins at the Loxley Civic Center with registration from 9 to 10 a.m., invocation and kickstands up at 10:05 a.m. The leisurely 1 1/2 –hour ride will wind along the back roads of Baldwin County with a rest in the middle before ending at The Porch Bar and Grill in Silverhill, where there will be live music and door prizes.

Funds from the ride will support a scholarship which has been established by the family of Martha Ann Wingo Hinton, who was killed in Mobile shortly after retiring as a teacher at Loxley Elementary School.

Her son, Jamie, served as a volunteer for the Loxley and Foley fire departments and also as chief for the Magnolia Springs Fire Department.

“We are all about supporting local firefighters and when one of our firefighters loses a family member, it’s like losing a member of our own family,” said Steve Williams, president of Fire & Iron Station 1001. “Beyond that, I have seven children and Mrs. Hinton taught every one of them. She served as an inspiration to countless generations of students in Loxley over a 40-year career and through this scholarship, we hope keep her memory alive to serve as an inspiration to countless generations to come.”

About 50 to 60 motorcycles participated in last year’s event, Williams said, and with the prospect of good weather, he hopes participation will be much better this year.

“Everyone who participated in last year’s race said it was the best experience they’ve ever had for a ride,” he said. “If we can double or even triple that number for this year, I will consider it a success.”

Anyone wishing more information can contact Williams at 251-978-0296.

Bucket Drop Benefit for Cali Hess

The Robertsdale Sports Association will also be hosting a bucket drop benefit for 12-year-old Cali Hess during their tournament day on Saturday, March 28 at the softball complex at Robertsdale’s Garrett Park.

An active softball player in Robertsdale for several years, as well as All-Star and travel ball participant, Cali collapsed hit her head and experienced multiple seizures at her home.

After months of testing, she was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, usually caused by structural defects in the brain and spinal cord and requires intensive surgery and recovery to relieve pressure on the base of the brain.

The surgery can last anywhere from four to eight hours and expected out of pocket costs for the family is more than $8,000, not to mention cost of medications, loss of income for her parents and any other unexpected costs that may occur.

“Cali is a sweet, beautiful, 12-year-old girl who has an uncanny love for life. Up until recently Cali had been actively involved in sports and is an extremely talented softball player, with a smile that could light up a room,” said Jessica Smith, one of the event’s coordinators. “If you cannot donate financially, we ask that you please keep this amazing little girl and her sweet family in your prayers, during this difficult time.”

The Robertsdale Sports Association will also be holding a benefit yard/bake sale on Saturday, April 18, located on Highway 59 next to Seabreeze Salon between Carolina and Hammond streets in Robertsdale.

All proceeds will go directly to the Hess family. For more information contact Smith at 747-2839, jkasmith1800@yahoo.com, or Amy Harrison, 978-2611, amy11harrison.ah@gmail.com.