Student Groups Host 5K Fundraiser In Support Of Sandy Hook Promise

**News Release Submitted by Fairfield University**

Sept. 24, 2024

Fairfield University’s Social Work Club and Phi Alpha Honor Society are hosting a Start With Hello 5K and Awareness Fundraiser on September 29, 2024, to help local school communities build cultures of empathy and inclusivity. The on-campus event kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Birkenstock Field House in the Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Recreation Complex, also known as the RecPlex.

The annual student-led event, held in support of the Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) campaign to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence, raises money to fund Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Clubs at middle schools in Connecticut.

Participation is free. Onsite registration begins at 10 a.m., presenters take the stage 10:30 a.m., and the race commences at 11 a.m. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Guest speakers will include Sarah McCann, SHP National Youth Advisory Board member; Vae Champagne, SHP student programs manager; and William A. Gerber, first selectman of the Town of Fairfield.

Though not scheduled to speak, Dakota, Fairfield’s beloved emotional comfort dog, will also be in attendance.

Last year’s fundraiser collected more than $1300 in donations for Jared Eliot Middle School in Clinton, Conn. The donations sponsored a training event for students on breaking down barriers to build community. For its efforts, Sandy Hook Promise recognized the newly formed SAVE Promise Club at the middle school for their “outstanding work in created safer and kinder schools and communities.”

Fairfield senior and social work major Angeline Miraglia is helping to organize the fundraiser. She expects to build on past successes with even greater participation and engagement.

“We have an amazing team working together to create a fun-filled morning with smiles, laughter, friendship, and inspiration,” Miraglia said. “As long as one person leaves knowing they are not alone, then the event will be a success.”

Start With Hello teaches empathy and empowers students to champion inclusivity through
three simple steps: 1. See someone alone. 2. Reach out and help. 3. Start with hello.