In December of 2021, a single Facebook post by a Northbrook High School student asking for support via GoFundMe to help them pay for prom lit a fire to a community grass roots fundraising campaign. Community Member Rebecca Barbier reached out to others about how to support both Spring Woods High School (SWHS) and Northbrook High School (NHS) proms.  Both schools had their fundraising impacted by COVID and, despite fundraising in previous years, used their funds to help cover last year’s prom.  Both were starting at $0.00 for a prom that was taking place in 4 months. Both schools were struggling with what they could do to raise enough money to keep ticket prices affordable but it was a steep hill to climb alone.  A team of community members that wanted to help and show these students what can be done when a community comes together was assembled.  They set their goal at $20,000 which would provide $10,000 per school. 

 On Saturday March 26th, the community showed up at the Emnora Bike Trail just north of Hammerly Rd. and conveniently located (start to finish) between SWHS and NHS for our first ever SPRING BRANCH COLOR RUN.  We had over 150 participants run and/or walk the 1.5 mile loop trail in a sea of color and a total of 235 attendees.  Students, teachers, administrators, Board Members, City Councilmember Amy Peck and community members showed up to volunteer, participate, celebrate and watch.   

 This was the first of hopefully many more years of this event organized to continue supporting both school proms.  It was located perfectly so that residents from all over could access and participate.  It was a wonderful showing of what a small, passionate group can accomplish when they work together towards a goal.  As one community member said, “It was a good day to be a Spring Brancher.”