Running For Ron

To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Salvatore and the Reed Interact Club for orchestrating the fundraising event to benefit Ron Bienkowski. Ron Bienkowski is the financial manager for, and an integral part of, the Newtown Public School community. He was recently diagnosed with a rare and unclassified form of leukemia. As you can well imagine, his medical bills are staggering. Through the Rotary Club and many volunteers, Dr Salvatore was able to coordinate the “Run For Ron,” which took place at Reed School on Saturday, May 16,

Between seeing all of the parent and student volunteers, actually running the five miles with lots of friends, doing the Hokey Pokey, and creating the bead necklace as a symbol of our support for Ron, it was a beautiful and moving experience.

Ron looked like his healthy and happy self! I am especially thrilled with my Cluster 7 Orange students, parents, and the NMS Ski and Snowboard Club parents because we raised an unbelievable $1,518. I cannot thank all of my donors enough for their love and generosity to help out Ron and his beautiful family in their time of need. The theme of the day was “Nicer In Newtown” and on Saturday, I think we all knew that was an apt slogan for our town. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

Oona Mulligan

74 Main Street, Newtown                                                 May 19, 2009