Patch Picks: Race for Pace & EcoFest Offer Fun for Family

This weekend, residents have a chance to have some fun and do some good—it’s a recurring theme in a community where obviously, everyone cares about the people and the places around them.

Start off early this Saturday with the —this 5K run and walk benefits , which is located on Greensburg Pike just behind the building. Faculty and staff are specially trained to help students with emotional obstacles, including those who are on the autistic spectrum, to move forward in their educations and build better relationships.

The race starts at 9 a.m., the and goes along Greensburg Pike and into the surrounding and neighborhoods. A Paws for Pace one-mile dog walk will begin at 9:05 a.m.

“It’s our one and only major fundraiser for the year and we have been doing it for 11 years,” said Kelly Uzzo, community outreach coordinator for Pace. “It started as a community event to bring awareness to who we are and what we do.”

The honorary co-chairs of the Race for Pace are WTAE co-anchors Mike Clark and Kelly Frey. students also will be volunteering and helping with the event. Registration is $25 per adult and $20 per youth. Online and downloadable registrations are available under the Race for Pace link at www.paceschool.org.

In the Regent Square area, the is holding its annual EcoFest event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, which gives folks a chance to learn more about recycling, saving the planet, and also creates a venue where residents can bring in items that are difficult to recycle.

brings in different organizations that will pass out information and offer recycling opportunities the day of the event. At one table, old t-shirts will be transformed into new handbags, while a clothing swap also will be held—bring in some of your hand-me-downs and walk away with a new wardrobe.

“It’s to give everybody more information about the environment, recycling and it’s a free event,” Kay Wetzel said. “Kids are welcome and can do lots of things there as well.”

Organizations that are getting involved include Frick Environmental Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Black and Gold City Goes Green, Creative Reuse Pgh. and more.

Get out this weekend, have fun and enjoy!