Husky Hero's Special Simsbury 5K Race Helps Hartford Youths

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford

SIMSBURY/HARTFORD, CT — A prominent youth organization in Hartford enjoyed a successful fundraising 5K last weekend in Simsbury, hosted by a University of Connecticut basketball legend.

More than 400 runners and 80 youths from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford laced up their sneakers Saturday, Oct. 25, for the 2025 "Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run," held at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.

Of course, the "Donny" in "Donny's Dash" is former UConn hoop hero Donny Marshall, who played in Storrs from 1991 to 1995 before embarking on an NBA career and a basketball broadcasting career.

This event brought together families, community partners, and corporate supporters for a day filled with fitness, fun, and philanthropy, according to the club.

Among the runners were more than 80 club kids representing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, who ran with "pride, excitement, and that signature Club energy."

"Their enthusiasm captured the true spirit of the event—creating opportunities where young people can grow, thrive, and dream big," wrote the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford.

The celebration featured appearances by Marshall, also a club board member, Morgan Tuck, general manager of the Connecticut Sun and a UConn hoops hero in her own right, and Bruce Jeffery, president and chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.

“We are incredibly proud to see our community come together to support our club kids,” said Jeffery. “Every mile run today represents a step toward brighter futures for the kids we serve every day.”

All proceeds from Donny’s Dash directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, providing local youth with access to safe spaces, positive mentorship, and programs focused on academic success, leadership, wellness, and life and workforce readiness.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, click on this link.