Runaway Brides idea becomes feature of Palmwoods School fundraiser

It was a just a way for the MC to stand out in the crowd: wear a wedding dress. 

But what started as a thought-bubble has turned in to a charming feature of Palmwoods State School’s  Colour Run, which this year raised $45,000. 

“As the Captain of the Colour Run and the person who was MC-ing the event, I thought I needed to wear something white,” explained Kirsty Griffiths, who is also a teacher and parent at the school. 

“Because, traditionally, people wear white to colour runs because it gives the most dramatic effect after when the colours hit. And I thought, I need to wear something loud as the MC. And when I mentioned it to a colleague, they said, ‘Oh, that sounds fun. I’ll do that too’. And so it just spread like wildfire through the staff. They all thought it was such a fun idea, that everyone rushed out to get wedding dresses.

“So we manage to pick up a lot of dresses from op shops and just brides who were willing to donate them to our cause, which is really exciting.”

The idea evolved so that now local businesses sponsor school staff to wear a dress and represent the business in the run.

“We really want to acknowledge our 21 business sponsors for their support of our event (see list below).”

Staff yesterday were even enticed to stage a dance performance to Madonna’s hit song “Vogue”. 

“It’s a really fun staff here at Palmwoods, and we all just join in and have fun and like to put on a bit of a show for the families and their kids,” said Kirsty.

“It allows the ladies to be a bit glamorous too, I guess. It’s been amazing to have so many supporters come out today and to watch the event and to celebrate with us.”

Sponsors: 

Maroochydore Gas and Solar, Palmwoods Post Office, McCormick Foods Australia, Murray & Associates, Sunshine Steering, Craig Barnby Real Estate, Brandon & Gullo Lawyers, Lead Drive SEO, Adventure Rafting Mooloolaba, Palmwoods Hire, D & C Masters Painters and Decorators, Joe Biggs Designs, Avenue Dental, Thistle in the Woods, The Little Book Nook, Megan Willis Photography, Carter Transport, Ultimate Executive Transfers, Palmwoods Pharmacy, Prosign Australia, Martinuzzi Property Group