In this close-knit community known for helping its own, word is quickly spreading to assist the Herassme family of Northford after the devastating loss of Donna Herassme, a beloved wife and loving mother of three young children, on May 5.

Friends have instituted the Herassme Family Fund with a fundraising page via www.gofundme.com and hope to gather $10,000 to help the family move forward. Visit the funding page here

In addition, North Branford non-profit Matt's Mission Fund is adding a "Love for Donna" fundraising component to the upcoming Matt's Mission 5K set for Sun. May 22, 9:30 a.m. at North Branford High School (NBHS), said fund founder Lynn Riordan.

"To show the family they are supported by the community, we are having a raffle to raise funds at the Matt's Mission 5K," said Riordan.

Riordan's hoping the 1,000 runners expected to come out for the May 22 5K (and their supportive family and fans) will hear in advance of this year's "Love for Donna" effort; and come to the run with a few extra dollars to contribute to the raffle. This year's annual race will be followed, as always, by a spirited awards ceremony and post-race party (food, beverages, family activities, entertainment). The post-race party begins at 10:30 a.m.

Monetary donations for the Herassme family are also welcome on May 22 at Matt's Mission 5K, said Riordan. Make checks out to Matt's Mission Fund with "Love for Donna" in the memo.

Riordan is also seeking donations of items to raffle off on May 22.  Items can be dropped off at North Branford Public Schools Central Office in the Stanley T. Williams Community Center in Northford, or by calling (203) 484-1440.

Now in its seventh year, Matt's Mission 5K is run in honor of Matt Picciuto, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2009. Last year, nearly $50,000 was raised for the Matt's Mission Fund. Participants can register now at http://www.jbsports.com or call (203) 481-5933 for information.