Team Ana to Support Team Vicki in 5K to Honor Slain Sandy Hook Teacher

SANDY HOOK, CT — Nelba Marquez-Greene, mother of Ana Grace, a Sandy Hook student killed in the tragedy of 12/14, wrote on The Ana Grace Project's Facebook page that the family's pain is still palpable three years after the school massacre, but they are not letting that stop them from supporting late Sandy Hook teacher Victoria Soto. Soto's family has organized a Victoria Leigh Soto 5K benefit race. All proceeds go to benefit scholarships for Stratford students, Soto's hometown.

Marquez Greene said, "Our pain has not gone away. And no one is better.....I loathe running with all of my heart. But I love teachers more than I loathe running. And I love the Sotos. So I'll be there in a purple tutu on #TeamAna for #TeamVicki. Love wins."

The 4th Annual Vicki Soto 5K will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016. The family-friendly walk/run takes place through the Lordship section of Stratford, Soto's hometown and includes a kid’s fun run, an activities tent with face painters, balloon twisters, artists and more, as well as food and beer tents following the race.

All proceeds from the run benefit The Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, Inc. 501c(3) charitable organization, established in honor of Soto and her passion for education. To date, the fund has awarded over $40,000 in educational scholarships to students pursuing a career in the field of education.

Marquez Greene said that Donna Soto, Victoria Soto's mother, promised her that she would walk the last quarter mile with her. "Help me support this warrior mom. Register for the Vicki Soto 5K, show up in your purple and step out for love. You can run it, dance it, walk it— whatever you want. We got you Donna. We will remember your beautiful daughter's life."

For more information or to register, click here.

Photo by Sangudo via Flickr Creative Commons