The Fullerton College Biology Club planned their second annual 5K race on Nov. 15 to collect funds and donations for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, but due to the recent California downpour, the event was forced to be rescheduled for Nov. 22. Though the day was still grey and gloomy, the fundraiser for children with cancer prevailed.

Community members and students of all ages participated in the club’s event, which ran from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. The walkways were lined with several canopies through the heart of the quad. Among the canopies were booths selling refreshments and another coordinating registration.

The registration station was set up on the lawn in front of the library entrance. Chemistry Professor and Chemistry Department Advisor, Americo Fraboni, managed registration to ensure that both liability forms and cover charges were collected from participants. The registration fee was $5 for students and $10 for non-students. The first five people to complete the 3.10 miles would receive an award in a ceremony but all registration included a certificate of completion and water.

According to Fabroni, it is important for students to get a chance to learn how to run fundraisers like the CHOC 5K. Ideally, they will be able to take their experience into their career and future.

The starting line was near the pedestrian bridge and between the 100 and 200 buildings. Chalked arrows were drawn on the sidewalk and gave direction to which way participants should go. The route looped around the campus four times to complete the course.

Shortly after start time, light rain made an appearance but nothing was stopping these participants. They trail-blazed through the rain and within 30 minutes the drizzling stopped.

After the contestants finished their trek around the school, they rested and cooled down with water bottles provided by the Biology Club. Music played while attendees and participants accessed the booths selling pizza, lemonade and customized animation stickers that were designed by a member of the Biology Club.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Joe Trujillo

Families display completion certificates after Fullerton College’s second annual 5K for CHOC on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Fullerton, Calif.

A haircut challenge that also raised funds for CHOC was held. Yishai Bellegreen, a Mechanical Engineering major, agreed to cut his hair if at least $150 was raised. He sat in a chair in the middle of the quad while the Biology Club took turns cutting his hair. They started with an electric trimmer, but the buzz cutter did not have any clips so they switched to cutting sheers. The group had a good time and giggled at the haircut Bellgreene sported.

The fundraiser successfully achieved the haircut challenge goal, it brought in a higher amount of funds than last year’s 5K and according to the Biology Club president, Amanda Rivas, the event had a total of 45 participants and the online fundraising page brought in an additional $600.

Lianore Louise, an FC alumna and Chemistry major, said that the club had also held health screenings, beach clean-up and every other week student workshops are organized so the members can cooperate in projects like plant aquariums.

Rivas said the Biology group forms close friendships, builds a community of peers within the Biology majors. Peer groups care about each other and look out for one another. The club creates bonds and builds friendships.

“That is what keeps students coming back for more,” said Rivas.

*This article was edited on Nov. 28, 2025 at 10:25 a.m. to add photos from the event that were not included in the original posting.*