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02/12/2024 12:28 AMOne year ago, a local event for the Valley Regional community that helped contribute to the furthering of several educational projects was a rousing success. And, to the delight of the students and faculty of Region 4, the event is back for a return run.
The Region 4 Education Foundation (R4EF) recently announced that the second annual Catch A Leprechaun 5K Race will take place on Saturday, March 16 in Essex, with check in happening at the town hall. It is specifically organized to encourage participation for elementary, middle school, and high school-aged runners and walkers, along with their families.
It is a fundraiser event to benefit the students of the Region 4 school district. The organization had previously done a Jingle Bell Run fundraiser, though it fell by the way during the pandemic. Yet a 5K fundraiser re-emerged in early 2023 with the inaugural Leprechaun run, which turned out to be a tremendous success.
“Last year, we were able to help restart the Region 4 music theater programs,” said R4EF Vice President Paula Weglarz. “Students from Jon Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School came together to perform The Little Mermaid musical after a couple year hiatus. This year, we supported the Jon Winthrop Tech-Ed Department with the purchase of virtual reality headsets. At Valley, we funded lighting for the student art gallery in the auditorium hallway, and lighting for the student-created ‘Burning of the Ships’ wall sculpture in the back stairwell.”
The R4EF provides financial assistance for the development of enrichment programs, worthy educational projects, and other learning initiatives that are not ordinarily included in school budgets. Weglarz explained that moved the theme and season of the 5K event, to take more advantage of the seasons changing for the better weather-wise.
“This is our primary fundraiser for the year, and the board is very excited to be out in the community spreading the word about our foundation,” said Weglarz with regards to the March mini marathon. “After the pandemic, we decided to move the race to March to take advantage of hopefully better weather, and to attract more runners. Early December during the holiday season is such a busy time for most people, so our hope is the new date will enable more people to participate.”
She added that they are of course looking to supplant last year’s final number of participants, while noting that runners can simply log onto the internet to get involved.
“It’s still early in the sign up process, but we are hoping to increase the number of runners this year,” Weglarz said. “We had 170 sign up last year, and would be thrilled to have 200 or more this year. Runners can sign up at aratrace.com.”
Participants do not necessarily have to put the pedal to the medal in order to leave an impact. Walking is also an option, as is being a spirited spectator from afar, cheering the local athletes on and helping aid R4EF and their future goals and projects.
“Community members can sign up to run or walk the 5K. If running isn’t their thing, then come out and cheer the runners on,” encouraged Weglarz. “We are also grateful for any donations to R4EF. All money raised during the year goes to enhance the educational experience at John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School by funding program tools and enrichment, which are not funded by the school’s budget. For example, our foundation provided the funding to restart the musical productions after the pandemic.”
Furthermore, donations can be mailed to R4EF PO Box 187, Deep River, CT 06417. Regarding the Leprechaun 5K, age group awards will be given out for runners under 12, along with age ranges 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-and-older. The event kicks off at 10 a.m., with packet pick up happening at 8:30 a.m. at the Essex Town Hall at 29 West Ave. Individuals can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/CT/Essex/CatchALeprechaun5K
Supporters’ contributions will help defray the costs of the event, which include the timing company for the race, police and traffic control, t-shirts, and prizes. Those with any questions can contact R4EF President Rick Stebbins at 860-938-1337, or via email at rstebbins023@gmail.com
“We are running the same route as last year, with check in at the Essex Town Hall,” said Weglarz. “The Town of Essex has been incredibly supportive of our event, and we are very grateful for all of their assistance. The race would not be as successful without their support. Let’s hope for great, early spring weather!”
In addition to Stebbins and Weglarz, the R4EF’s Board of Directors is comprised of Treasurer Paul A. Calamari, Secretary W. Campbell Hudson III, along with DG Fitton, Miriam Morrissey, Debra G. Calamari, Dave Berardis, and Allen Graham.