Even though supporters thought they'd Run with Carl for the last time, the Labor Day race will continue next year. This morning, the Carl Schilligfamily announced the foundations that support Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley public schools will become the co-sponsors of the event.
Run with Carl spokeswoman, Jamie Lange, says 20 years ago, 15-year-old Carl Schillig was killed in a crash. And his family began the race to honor him and raise money for scholarships.
Over the years, Lange says both Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley school employees and residents worked with the Schilligs to organize Run with Carl. The superintendents and officials from the foundations began talking about continuing the race when the family announced this year would be their last.
Since 2002, the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund has awarded two scholarships each year to Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley high school students. Winners receive 4,000 dollars to pay for college expenses over four years. The two foundations plan to award two more scholarships each year, for a total of four.
Next year's Run with Carl is set for Labor Day, September 7th, with the same race courses.