FRAMINGHAM – Wayside Youth & Family Support Network announced today that it raised more than $77,000 from the 2020 Virtual 5K4Kids Run/Walk.
This year’s virtual event was held from Oct. 10-17 and drew more than 450 registered runners, 135 from outside Massachusetts.
The 5K4Kids was sponsored by 30 businesses, including nonprofits such as lead sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, community organizations and supported by hundreds of individual donors.
Editor’s note: in full transparency, SOURCE was a media sponsor.
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“The Virtual 5K4Kids exceeded our expectations, especially the outpouring of support from our community, sponsors, employees, families and friends,” said Eric L. Masi, Ed.D, President & CEO of Wayside. “Our employees are the driving force behind the success of this event; their strength and dedication throughout the pandemic has been nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
The 5K4Kids is Wayside’s largest, and only, annual fundraiser. All funds raised go directly back to programs and benefit youth and families receiving services in 19 locations in Central, Eastern and Northeastern Massachusetts. This year is an especially critical year for Wayside as many families are struggling financially due to COVID-19. Wayside staff will use the funds to buy emergency clothing, food and technology for remote learning.
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“Every year this event is so meaningful, not just for the support it generates for our youth and families, but as an important reminder about why we do this work,” said Sara McCabe, vice president of campus services. “Our families are some of the most vulnerable and this year they are facing tremendous challenges. We are so thankful that we are able to provide extra support.”
To date, the 5K4Kids has raised more than $900,000 for the thousands of children and families served each year by the nonprofit, human services agency. Wayside will continue to accept donations online.
To donate visit: wayside5k4kids.itsyourrace.com/Sponsors.aspx?id=13913
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Founded in 1977, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is a nonprofit, nationally accredited human services agency headquartered in Framingham. Wayside is dedicated to building strength, hope and resiliency through its family-based outreach services, residential treatment programs and community-based counseling services to more than 6,000 children, youth and families throughout Eastern, Central and Northeastern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.waysideyouth.org.
MetroWest Medical Center