Sandy Hook, We've Got Your Back

The following information and photos graciously submitted by AnnaRita Recine, Spanish teacher at the Abraham Pierson School in Clinton:

On March 23, more than 120 people in town participated in a Virtual Run to benefit Sandy Hook. 

How did it all begin?

Abraham Pierson School principal, Angela Guarascio, forwarded to the staff information about the Sandy Hook 5K.  Her daughter is a high school teacher in Newtown, so Mrs. Guarascio and her family registered to participate in the race with the Newtown High School faculty team. 

I thought it would be a great idea to get some Pierson staff involved in forming a team and doing a Virtual Run.  It would be our way to send good vibes to the Newtown community and to contribute to the important cause.   

As the date approached, friends heard of the run and expressed interest in helping to organize it and in participating.  I planned the route to go from Clinton Town Beach to Lobster Landing and back, a little over 5K but no one complained!  Those who ran enjoyed the flat course that took them through downtown. 

I was overwhelmed by the turnout.  It was an incredible group of Pierson staff, their families, Clinton parents and kids, and even a baby in a jog stroller!  First Selectman Willie Fritz was on hand to greet the participants and kick off the run. 

Many registered on line through the Hartford Marathon website, but some showed up and left a donation.  Close to $900 was raised in same-day donations in addition to the amount that people contributed by registering in advance. 

I'd like to thank the following people:

Angela Guarascio for bringing the cause to our attention and supporting us.

First Selectman Willie Fritz for his support and for kicking off the run.

Sondra Fritz for her support in helping me plan the run.

Lauren Hile for spreading the word, contacting Patch and providing water coolers.

Tina Silver and family for lining our route with green balloons and signs with the names of the Sandy Hook victims.

Christine Riccio for getting the U-13 girls soccer team involved.

Lisa Lindsay for spreading the word to the U-12 girls soccer team.

Casey Dalton, Gabby Bussiere and Coralie Williams for manning the sign-in table.

Pat Johnson for distributing water at the end of Commerce Street.

Amy Trahant for taking photos.

Maj. John Carbone for providing police officers to keep us orderly and safe.

And the many people who turned out on Saturday to run/walk/cheer!  

-- AnnaRita Recine