The Jessica Rekos Foundation has announced that from May 4 to May 10, it will participate in activities that benefit organizations that best represent the interests of the foundation’s namesake. Jessica was one of the children killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The week will begin with Pony Rides For a Purpose, at the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, on Sunday, May 4. From 11 am until 4 pm there will be crafts, entertainment, a raffle, and pony rides.

Admission is $10 per child, and all proceeds will go to The Jessica Rekos Foundation.

The horse guard’s headquarters is at 4 Wildlife Drive, near Reed School.

Then on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10, friends and family of Jessica will be running in the Cape Cod Ragnar Relay from Hull to Provincetown.

Cape Cod was one of Jessica’s favorite places, and Team Jessica Rekos is running the length of the Cape in this event for the second straight year. Donations to the foundation on behalf of the runners can be made through the foundation’s website, jessicarekos.org. All donations go directly to The Jessica Rekos Foundation, which is officially recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt charity.

There is special significance in this year’s event, as the run will end on May 10, what would have been Jessica’s eighth birthday.

In memory of Jessica, the Jessica Rekos Foundation has to this point provided yearlong scholarships for horseback riding lessons to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity; supported Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s 2013 Internship Program, allowing ten students to gain experience in WDC’s renowned living laboratory; and donated $26,000 to Newtown Public Schools to be put towards physical security improvements for school buildings.

The Jessica Rekos Foundation was formed in an effort to continue Jessica’s love of horses, to continue her whale “research,” and to allow people to remember the daughter of Krista and Rich Rekos and her beloved horses and whales. The foundation’s mission is to create and fund programs and events that will allow others to experience Jessica’s passions.

Additionally, the foundation has promised to support school security efforts to protect children like Jessica and her classmates.

To learn more about Jessica Rekos and the foundation created in her memory, visit jessicarekos.org or e-mail  info@jessicarekos.org.