The 11th annual edition of Raising the House 5K Run and Walk, honoring the memory of a revered former teacher, will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday in Palmerton.

Its goal is to raise funds for the students and families in the community, according to board member Tamara House.

“We’re really looking forward to the race, it’s looking to be extremely successful,” House said. “We’ve had a great turnout from our sponsors and the race registration is doing really well.

“We have a lot of race participants signed up. We’re really psyched up for it, and so grateful for all of the participation from our sponsors and from our race registration.”

House noted that for those who aren’t able to make the race in person, there is a virtual option.

In addition, she said that organizers have a race registration for dogs, and noted all dogs do get a special bandanna if they are registered.

House added that all dogs must be leashed.

The funds for the event support the mission of Raising the House: to provide financial assistance to students and families in the Palmerton Area School District while honoring Blaine House, a Towamensing teacher who died in 2013.

“I just want to thank everybody for participating, and for keeping Blaine’s memory going, and we know he would be so thrilled with the success of the Raising the House and everything it’s done for the community,” Tamara House said. “We’re really so grateful and thankful for everyone continuing it.”

Kick-started in 2014, the Raising the House 5K run/walk was the first event created in memory of Blaine House to honor his passion for fitness and excitement in taking another step forward, and carrying on the memory of the educator who had a profound effect on the hundreds of students whose lives he touched over his many years of teaching.

“We’re excited to be back for another year,” said Kris Hoffner, Raising the House Race Committee chair. “We hope community members and former students of Blaine will come out on May 10 and help us raise funds for the Palmerton community.”

Raising the House uses funds from the race to support its programs, such as a scholarship fund, educational advancement fund, backpack program and family assistance program.

A nonprofit based in Palmerton, Raising the House was founded in 2013 to honor the legacy of Blaine House.

It provides students and their families in the Palmerton community with a variety of services, including food assistance, scholarships and educational initiatives.

Community members may learn more and register for the race by visiting www.raisingthehouse.org.