Dashing For Donuts,

And Youth & Family Services

By Kendra Bobowick

He isn’t looking forward to the intense sugar rush, but Michael Porco, Jr, is ready for his roughly three-mile Annual Donut Dash from Sandy Hook Center to the flagpole on Sunday, April 11.

From the flagpole on Main Street his team from Porco’s Karate Academy — and hopefully competitors from the Newtown Police Department and members of the town’s five volunteer fire companies — will circle back downhill and stop near the corner of Queen Street and Church Hill Road, at Andrea’s Pastry Shop where, “We’ll eat a lot of donuts,” he admitted.

Mr Porco will begin his run at 9 am. Spectators can expect to see him at the bakery about 15 minutes later. 

As long as either sponsors or residents make a pledge, he will down as many doughy treats as donors wish. For the third consecutive year, proceeds will benefit Newtown Youth & Family Services.

On Tuesday afternoon Karate Academy members Lauren D’Amico and Amelia Shwartz eyed the frosted cakes, oversized cookies, muffins, and cupcakes decorated for the season. Excited at the prospect of seeing Mr Porco faced with a host of sugar-laden snacks, Lauren said, “I want him to work this year!”

With Lauren and Amelia was pastry shop owner Tony Posca, eager to satisfy more than one sweet tooth this year. On the day of the Donut Dash he will give doughnuts to children who can do ten push-ups.

“This way, they can work it off,” joked Mr Posca, the lead baker and owner of the bakery serving once again as a stopping point for the fundraiser.

Residents can also buy a square representing race finish times. Guess the right or closest time and win a prize: a free month of karate, a $20 certificate to Andrea’s Pastry Shop, and last, a sweatshirt.

In its third year, the Donut Dash is “a good way to help our community,” Mr Porco said. With experiences from past years to draw on, he confessed, “The sugar rush is no fun, and it’s tough to eat in the middle.” After he finishes his midrun snacks he will continue back down Church Hill Road, returning to the karate academy.

In past years the academy has raised more than $2,000. Mr Porco is aiming to exceed $3,500 this year.

Contact Porco Karate Academy at 203-426-2427 to buy a square for the 2010 Donut Dash or for additional information about the event.