To The Editor:

What an amazing day! I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported, volunteered for, and participated in the Newtown Community Running Event on August 30th at Fairfield Hills. Seeing hundreds of residents and visitors come together was a powerful reminder of Newtown's incredible spirit. Thanks to our participants and partners, this event successfully raised vital funds for the Newtown Ambulance Association while honoring the memory of community hero Greg Ritzinger.

An event of this scale would have been impossible without the collective effort of town leadership, municipal departments, emergency services, and local businesses.

Sincere thanks to First Selectman Bruce Walczak, the Highway Department, Park and Recreation, Police Department, Newtown Hook and Ladder Fire Department, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and Newtown Ambulance. Your logistical planning and emergency services kept our courses safe and secure.

We also owe a massive thank you to our generous sponsors who provided vital resources and kept our runners fueled: Newtown Center Pediatrics, Newtown Savings Bank, Clavette & Company, Caraluzzi's, Newtown Lions Club, Dental Associates, Canine Diplomat, Sippin Oil Company, Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, CT Basement Systems, CT Run Company, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers, Café Duo, Papajani Construction LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group (Stratford), Lesser Evil Popcorn (Danbury), Garelick Farms (New Britain), Bagel Delight, Starbucks, Dunkin', Stew Leonard's, Pizza Palace, Blue Colony Diner, Donna from Food Direct, and UCAN Company (Woodbridge).

Finally, thank you to the racers, the neighbors who cheered from their lawns, our day-of volunteers, and the entire community for your patience and enthusiastic support. If we inadvertently omitted any names, please know your contributions were invaluable. Together, we hosted a fantastic event and provided critical support to our local first responders in Greg’s memory. Our daughter, Donna, put so much effort into this race. I know that she watched from heaven and is very, very proud of everyone.

Bruce Goulart

Event Director

Newtown Community Running Event