A Successful Run

To the Editor:

Words really cannot express the gratitude that the Board of Directors and staff of Newtown Youth & Family Services has for the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made the 2007 Newtown Road Race 5K and Praxair Kid’s Run such a success Saturday. From the moment the sun came up volunteers were scurrying around Dickinson Park to prepare for the onslaught of people who descended ready to run and have some fun.

We registered nearly 600 runners and another 250 kids for the event, both more than last year. We heard so many positive comments about the race and activities, and got more good ideas to make the third annual event even better.

Through our generous sponsors, the event raised more than $30,000 for Newtown Youth & Family Services. All the money will be used to improve the quality of life of children and families in Newtown by creating more programs, activities, support groups, and family-style events like the road race. Frankly, I can think of no more laudable reason to raise money.

But even more importantly than raising money, the road race was a great way for the community to come together to kick off Labor Day weekend. The real serious runners commented that the course was flat and fast; some even said they posted their best times in a 5K. Others had fun pushing their jogging strollers and walking with friends. And it was great to see all those kids chugging down the grass Kid’s Race course with smiles on their faces. That was definitely an incentive to work even harder next.

Again, on behalf of Newtown Youth & Family Services, thank you to everyone who helped organize and participate to make this an awesome event. We’ll see you again next year.

Sincerely,

Chris Gardner

Chairman, Board of Directors

Newtown Youth & Family Services

10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook                                 September 4, 2007