A total of more than $15,000 will be awarded to theater programs at four Mesa County School District 51 high schools, proceeds from what was billed as the 240-Mile Theater Run.

Mark Leistico raised the money while participating in the Moab 240 Endurance Run.

“Of course, being able to accomplish something like running 240 miles is pretty cool. But to me, it’s nothing compared to the impact these programs have with very limited resources. I just hope I was able make a difference and tell their stories well enough to convey how vital they are to our kids and community,” said Leistico, a Grand Valley chiropractor.

Of the total, $2,007 will be awarded each to Fruita Monument and Palisade high schools, while $5,007 will go to Grand Junction High School and $6,007 to Central High School.

Amanda Meltzer, theater director at Central High School, praised the contribution and Leistico’s efforts. “Thank you so much Mark for this donation and commitment to D51 theater. You are an inspiration to all our students and have shown all of us that we can do hard things. Running might be an individual achievement, but your theater family has been here cheering you the whole time, and we are so proud and thankful for you. With this donation, we can keep our program running and do some incredible productions that I once only thought we could do in our dreams.”

Audrey Neumiller, theater director at Grand Junction High School, also said she was grateful. “When a community member partners with a school program, it sends a strong message to our students that the community cares and supports what they are working so hard on. Mark’s donation to GJHS Theatre Department will directly impact over 100 students this year. It will be used to buy materials for our upcoming musical ‘Treasure Island.’ Thank you so much Mark.”

Christian Herring, theater director at Fruita Monument High School, agreed. “We truly appreciate Mark’s passionate and inspiring efforts to support the artistry of theater here in School District 51.”

Camryn Leistico, a member of the Central High School Theater Club, also said she appreciated her father’s efforts.

“I am so grateful for my dad for running 240 miles to raise money for me and the other theater kids in the valley just so we could continue to do something we love. I love him so much for that.”