Globe Trot 2009 enthusiasts gather for a group shot after the Aug. 5, 2009, 5K fundraiser, which raised more than $2,000 for The Foundation For Asia Pacific Education, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships for study abroad in Asia Pacific.

5K Event By GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Brings Together Runners, Walkers And Supporters Of International Education

And they're off! Trotters head out on the Big Dry Creek 5K course for the 2009 "Globe Trot" fundraiser.

Nearly 50 runners, walkers and fans of international education braved a sweltering August evening last week to trot out their support for scholarships for study abroad in the Asia Pacific region.

The first “Globe Trot” 5K fundraiser, organized by employees of Westminster, Colo.-based GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, raised more than $2,000 for the non-profit Foundation for Asia Pacific Education, which through fundraising provides scholarships for students to gain global experience by studying abroad in Asia Pacific.

"Globe Trot" participants push toward the finish line.

“We had a fantastic time at the Globe Trot and greatly appreciate the ongoing support of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad,” said Karen Brockwell, Foundation executive director. “We’re especially grateful for all of the effort put forth by the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad employees who organized the event and the many friends and family members who attended.”

The Aug. 5 “Globe Trot” took place at Big Dry Creek Park in Westminster, Colo., with a celebration afterward at Baker Street Pub & Grill. A GlobaLinks Learning Abroad team led by Rachael Garrison, Coordinator of Outreach and Student Services for EuroLearn, and Kimberly Tibbetts, Manager of Short Term Programs for AustraLearn, organized the event.

“Our office typically participates in a charity race in the area each year,” Garrison said. “This year we decided to organize our own event so that 100% of the donations would go to a cause that is meaningful to GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and our friends in international education.”

“Globe Trot” donations, which were taken both in-person and online on the Foundation’s web site, will further the organization’s efforts to address the void in funding for North American undergraduates seeking cultural and academic experiences in Asia Pacific.

Lindsey Lauman, Brianna Svoboda and Ashley Borden celebrate after crossing the finish line of the 5K "Globe Trot" fundraiser.

These students, in fact, are increasingly viewing study abroad, particularly in the many and diverse countries that make up the Asia Pacific region, as critically important to their educational foundations and a necessary step toward gaining better understanding of an increasingly interconnected world. At the same time, however, challenging economic conditions are making these goals even more elusive for many students.

“The Foundation’s mission is to create global leaders by assisting students in achieving their personal and professional goals of having an international education experience,” says Amy Deppe, Foundation executive director. “With the support of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, we can continue to provide funding to deserving students by awarding them scholarships.”

As events go, the level of support for “Globe Trot” made planning efforts very organic, Garrison added.

“A lot of people in our office helped to make this event happen, and we are all thrilled with how it turned out,” Garrison said. “We are looking forward to continuing this event in the future.”