While Barack Obama addressed thousands in Irving Gym Saturday, 160 supporters of College Mentors for Kids paced around Worthen Arena during the organization's annual walkathon.
Despite Obama's visit, Linsey Koetter, president for the Ball State University chapter of College Mentors for Kids, said twice as many people attended this year's walkathon than last year's, raising about $3,500 in donations for the organization.
"The walkathon is our biggest fundraising event of the year," she said.
Koetter said she did not think Obama's visit to Ball State affected the walkathon.
"It just required a little more planning," she said.
Koetter said she had visited Obama's Muncie campaign office to work out any possible conflicts. Separate parking areas were arranged for the walkathon participants and those attending Obama's rally, she said
Abby Erpelding, fundraising director for College Mentors for Kids, said the organization pairs elementary school students with college students, who accompany the children around campus to teach them about higher education.
According to its Web site, College Mentors for Kids seeks to motivate first through fourth graders to help them achieve their potential academically.
Erpelding said the Ball State chapter of College Mentors for Kids is currently serving 71 elementary school students.
Koetter said College Mentors for Kids is expanding rapidly.
"Next year we are expanding to 100 students," she said.
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