Pathfinder physical education instructor Lou Cutler set out to run 64 laps (to match his age) as part of a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Friday May 29. He was joined by more than 500 students, teachers, parents and others.
Pathfinder Elementary teacher Lou Cutler, turning 64, chose to mark that milestone by doing even more as a 19 year volunteer for Make-A-Wish. As a wish granter and role model he chose to run as many laps as his age along with 500 West Seattle students, parents, teachers and school leaders.The purpose was to raise awareness for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Mr. Cutler and the Pathfinder community have raised more than $55,000 for Make-A-Wish over the last 10 years.
He said, “I will enjoy the best day of my year, as I witness the entire Pathfinder community come together to raise money to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.”
Over the last decade Lou said, “Our best was $10,800 but this year the goal is $15,000.”
The 64 laps comprise almost 11 miles and you might think he would go sit and relax but instead he said he would “teach classes. Because so many kids are determined to finish I’ll stay out here counting laps, then go teach classes in the afternoon.
Cutler said his own hero is Martin Luther King. “Somebody who brings people together in a peaceful manner and gets everybody going. The Make-A-Wish kids and their families, they’re heroes cause they inspire me. I get strength from them.”
Juli McClave, the Volunteer Manager for Make-A-Wish Foundation said, “People do external events but this is really personal. Because he grants wishes it’s just such a community feel. It’s his last year, he’s retiring so this is the last laps for Lou.”
