Students, parents and staff at Cascade Ridge Elementary School last week celebrated, ran and shivered their way through a circus-themed walkathon that raised more than $24,000.

“We are so appreciative of all the people who supported our school through their pledges, volunteered at the walkathon, planned it and attended our wonderful … event,” said Brooke Daggett, co-chair of communications for the event.

The PTSA helps support a number of programs through fundraisers such as the walkathon, including art and science docents, Eager Reader, teacher grants, BEL reading program, ACE (Academic Core Enrichment), art specialists, Destination Imagination and the science fair.

“Probably 90 percent of the programs they fund would not exist” without those dollars, Principal Sheryl Belt said. “A little bit of what they do is funded somewhat, but a lot of what they fund is extra; we wouldn’t have it at all.”

Donations can still be made to Cascade Ridge PTSA and sent to the school, 2020 Trossachs Blvd. S.E., Sammamish.