Marathons are nothing new to Spanish IV Honors teacher Dr. Gabriela Zaviezo, considering she has run three 5K’s, ten half marathons and two full marathons. However, what is new is her purpose for running her upcoming 5K. Dr. Zaviezo is planning on completing Plantation’s 14th annual “Run Through Central Park” Feb. 10 in a unicorn costume in support of Project Alive.
Dr. Zaviezo opted to run in an inflatable unicorn suit to incentivize her students to donate to the cause. “I chose Project Alive because I love Mrs. Estevez, and I felt like I wanted to help, but I wasn’t sure what I could do. I had donated to [Project Alive] but felt like I wanted to do something bigger and raise more money,” Dr. Zaviezo said.
“I felt a little frustrated that I wasn’t doing enough, so when I thought of this idea, I knew my students would want to see me do this.”As for the success of her plan, Zaviezo has raised $950 through Facebook, her running group and students. “My goal was $500, so I am very excited and thankful to everyone that has donated,” she said.
While she has surpassed her original fundraising goal, she is still working out the logistics of running upwards of three miles in a unicorn suit in sweltering Florida. “It’s an inflatable unicorn costume, so it won’t be too heavy, but it’s not very ventilated so I am a little worried about overheating,” Zaviezo said. “I am going to jog; it won’t be a super fast run. I hope it won’t be too bad. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.” Zaviezo is also preparing for a full marathon (more than 26 miles) in April, so all preparation for that helps her in the 5K.
Dr. Zaviezo shows off her 2018 Miami Half Marathon finisher medal. (Photo submitted by Dr. Gabriela Zaviezo)
As the 5K nears and donations continue to file in, Zaviezo is excited to try something she never has before while raising money for a cause that is near to her heart. “I am just really proud of my students for coming together for Project Alive, and I hope my little grain of sand can help Project Alive reach their goal,” Zaviezo said.
Cash donations can be dropped off to room 7205.
