A race dedicated to the memory of a former Towamensing teacher is set to take place in March.

Raising the House’s seventh annual 5K is slated for March 28, but those hoping to score a T-shirt and reduced registration fee need to sign up by the March 8. After that, a shirt won’t be guaranteed.

The race, hosted each spring, is dedicated to the memory of Blaine House, who died in 2013.

A year following his death, a group of Towamensing Elementary parents formed Raising the House, an organization aimed at helping local students in need.

Tamara House, who was married to Blaine, said this year’s run will be particularly significant: Palmerton seniors graduating this June will be the last of students who were taught by Blaine.

“This is Blaine’s last class,” Tamara said.

Those same students gave Raising the House its name and chose the orange and blue colors the organization sports.

“I’m hoping to keep it together at the race,” Tamara said. “It’s going to be really hard.”

“I still have every card they made for me — every banner, everything. … They’ve been so supportive and instrumental in Raising the House.”

New this year, the 2020 race will feature an additional winners category: The three fastest dogs and their companions will be crowned.

To sign up for Raising the House’s seventh annual 5K, you can use the link posted on the organization’s Facebook page. A paper registration form can also be accessed at www.raisingthehouse.org.

Raising the House will also partner with Miller-Keystone Blood Center for a March 15 drive to be held in the Palmerton High School gym. Those interested can sign up online via the Raising the House Facebook page.

The drive will start at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.