The eighth annual Run for Chris 5K with the Y was held on June 22, in Essex, attracting many runners from both in and out of state. The Valley Shore YMCA has been a wonderful partner for promoting and staffing the Run for Chris.

Thanks to the efforts of so many wonderful people who lend their support, the event continues to be a tremendous success. (Special thanks goes to the Town of Essex and the Essex Police and resident state trooper.) We were once again able to raise funds for the Chris Belfoure Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), the purpose of which is to integrate multicultural and foreign language programs into the schools of Lower Valley of Middlesex County. This year Valley Regional High School students benefited from a grant from the Fund for their trip to France. Westbrook High School hosted French exchange students and traveled with them to the Boston Tea Party Museum. This was also made possible by a grant from the Chris Belfoure Memorial Fund.

We want to recognize our sponsors, without whose support the race would not be possible. These include our Gold and Silver sponsors FromYouFlowers.Com, Tower Laboratories, Ivoryton Playhouse, Clark Group, and Adams UBS Wealth Management. We also thank our new sponsor, The Lee Company, and the Essex Savings Bank for their continued support, and a huge shout out to all the volunteers who contribute their time and work so tirelessly to make the event the success it has become.

Next year’s ninth annual Run for Chris 5K with the Y will be on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Essex!

Robin Chapin

Ivoryton