It was a sunny Saturday morning around 9am when the crowd gathered. There were runners of all ages (and even a few pirates) lacing up their shoes as they prepared for Connecting for Children and Families’ 5th Annual “Make Tracks for Kids” 5K race. The morning started with the children’s event, a 1K Fun Run to kick off the event. The kids showed their spirit and energy by making their way around the 1K course. As the kids finished, the rest of the runners began to line up for the start of the 5K. The course went around the Bryant College campus and would make a complete circuit by the end. Many teams and individuals participated in the event including parents with their children in strollers, co-workers and lots of couples. One couple in particular even held hands the entire race and crossed the finish line together. At the end of the race, there was a cookout for all the participants and the awards ceremony.
“Team SNECS” of Southern New England Computer Services won the award for the “Top Team Collector” by being the team to raise the most money. Together, with all the participants, they were able to raise thousands of dollars for Connecting for Children and Families. CCF is a community-based nonprofit organization located in Woonsocket, RI that seeks to transform the lives of Woonsocket children through high quality educational opportunities and family support. “We were excited to find out that we were the team to raise the most,” said co-owner of SNECS, Nick Bernfeld. “We did the run because it is a great cause and I love to participate in athletic events. Originally, it was just going to be me and Paul, the other owner. But when the staff found out about the event and what it was for, it snowballed into the entire crew wanting to get involved.”
With the support of the local community, Connecting for Children and Families is able to provide many benefits to families in the Woonsocket area. With their high quality early childhood programs and the ability to connect families with supportive services, they ensure that families live in a safe and welcoming community where there are many opportunities to succeed.