Runners raising pledges during the first Totem Trot will help the Sheldon Museum offer education programs during the coming year, director Helen Alten said this week.

“We need more runners and people getting sponsors. If we raise enough money, we can hire more staff,” Alten said. The event starts 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23 at the museum.

Recent budget cuts have made the museum choose between hiring staff to manage collections or to coordinate its education program. As the collections position hasn’t been filled for three years, the museum board recently chose to shift funding to that position.

Alten’s hoping the trot – a fun, informative run between 12 totem sites around town culminating with the unveiling of a new totem at the museum – will raise at least $5,000. “We only have so much money. This would allow us to do more with education,” she said.

The museum’s education program includes free admission for residents, evening lectures, school vacation camps, a Tlingit language class, the Six-Week Spotlight Series and an interactive children’s area. About $5,000 would be enough to fund a educational backpack program that engages students about exhibits and the Tlingit language class, Alten said. “It’s a start. We’re going to raise money year-round.”

“We also hope to bring in some interesting exhibits over the winter, work more intimately with the schools and open at least one evening during the winter, with activities for our snow-bound community,” Alten said.

Runners or walkers making the 5K loop are encouraged to get sponsors. They will receive a scarf with the museum logo and a small booklet about totem poles. Participants raising more than $100 each will be refunded their $15 registration fee.

Runners and walkers also will be awarded prizes. Participant packets can be picked up at the museum or online at http://www.totemtrot.com. A volunteer will be posted at each pole site to serve as an interpreter.