Hot COCO 5K & Kids Fun Run Fundraiser Set For Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — More than 500 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the 16th annual Bartlett & Grippe Hot COCO 5K, Kids Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday morning, Nov. 9, in Cheshire.

The event is the annual fundraiser for Abilities Without Boundaries (AWB). AWB serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cheshire and a dozen surrounding towns.

The scenic rolling 5K course begins at Norton Elementary School (14 North Brooksvale Road) and travels the historic Farmington Canal Line. The Kids Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. and is followed by the 5K/Walk at 10:10 a.m.

“After the race, runners, walkers and spectators enjoy a post-race party featuring entertainment, food, beverages, music and an awards ceremony, plus all the hot cocoa they can drink!” according to a news release.

Awards are given to top age-group finishers. All runners in the Cheshire Coffee Kids Fun Run receive a finisher ribbon.

“Abilities Without Boundaries helps people achieve independence, self-sufficiency, community participation and personal satisfaction through employment and day support services,” said Amanda Barnes, executive director. “Some of the individuals in AWB’s care require constant one-on-one care. However, others are able to work in the community with just a bit of coaching and support.

“All these individuals have three things in common. One: they don’t drive and so they need transportation. Two: they find themselves facing daily difficulties most of us cannot imagine. Three: they have a spirit and determination that deserves our help.”

Read more from the news release below:

AWB supports more than 100 adult individuals. It has more than 50 employees. The organization was founded in Cheshire 46 years ago. AWB is a strong community partner in Cheshire and surrounding towns.

“While the majority of our funding comes from the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), fundraisers like the Hot COCO provide for extra programming,” Barnes said. “This year we are raising funds to purchase a new, to us, van. Handicapped accessible transportation is one of our foundational services.”

The Bartlett & Grippe Hot COCO is sponsored by: Bartlett & Grippe Attorneys at Law; Barter Network; Cheshire Coffee; Halmar International; Lloyd R. Saberski, MD; Nesso Group; Ion Bank; Gaylord Specialty Healthcare; Olympic Taekwondo Academy of Cheshire; K&J Tree Service; Webster Bank; The Crate Escape; Barker Specialty Company; Blender Bar; Digital Pizza; Trinity Health of New England, St. Mary’s Hospital; Daniels Orthodontics; Richard Chevrolet; Cheshire Craft Brewing; Law Offices of Ryan B. Corey, LLC; AJ Waste Systems; Advanced Dentistry; UBEO; 99.1 WPLR; Table Talk Pies; Polar; Bagelicious of Cheshire; Brooklyn Bakery; Norton Brothers Fruit Farm; Subway; and W.B. Mason.

To register in advance, visit www.jbsports.com or call JB Sports at 203-481-5933.