Running In Jeffrey's Name in East Lyme

The Second Annual Jeffrey's Rainbow Run will be held in Niantic on September 13. More than 500 runners turned out for last year's 5K and walk, which was held in honor of Jeffrey, the 6-year-old Salem boy who was tragically killed in a wood chipper accident last April. 

Last year's run raised more than $16,000 for the family to help them financially as they struggled to recover emotionally. This year, the family is looking to give back to the community that rallied to their aid. 

At the family's request, all the proceeds from this year's race will go into a scholarship fund earmarked for East Lyme High School seniors who plan to further their education to work with children or animals. It will be called the ELYS Jeffrey's Rainbow Scholarship.

"Jeffrey was a big lover of all that is furry, especially his dogs. McCook Point Park was his favorite place in the whole world, and that, along with his love for running, make this event make a whole lot of sense when it comes to honoring his memory, and hopefully turning that into a bit of a legacy in his little corner of the world," writes East Lyme Youth Services Director Sarah Butterfield in an email to Patch. "I really love this event, I love that the community came together to support this family last year, and I love that we are paying it forward in Jeffrey's name."

You'll find a registration form for this event online at East Lyme Youth Services.