On Sunday, Plainville, Norfolk and Wrentham will come together for a Run/Walk Boston Strong Tribute Event. The community gathering is set for 6 p.m. at King Philip Regional High School track and will also serve as a fundraiser for The One Fund. "There is strength in numbers when something like this occurs," says event organizer Donna Morin. "For most of us, we don't want to be alone. We need to grieve and feel supported."
The idea for the event came to Morin shortly after the April 15th Boston Marathon bombings when she heard of a similar run/walk in another town. She thought that was a great response to the tragedy and went right to work.
The event evolved as she reached out to different community leaders. Eventually she got in touch with Paul Schaefer, Director of Finance & Operations for KP High School, and he helped secure the track and KP principal Lisa Oliveria jumped on board too. Morin recruited Wrentham selectman Joe Botaish who, along with his son Joseph, will provide a sound system and music. Teachers, administrators and students from both the high school and middle school are working on the event. "It's a beautiful thing," Morin says.
Right now the event will include brief remarks to explain the event. Scheduled to speak are Botaish and State Senator Richard Ross. Participants will then have a chance to run or walk around the track as a show of support for all those affected by the tragedy. It's also a chance to honor the first responders and law enforcement who came to the rescue. "When I hear all the stories of how people helped other people, it makes me feel so inspired," Morin says. "This will be our chance to help. And this will be our chance to begin the healing."
Donations for The One Fund are being collected. The suggested donation is $10 per family. The One Fund was launched by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013. Over $27 million has been raised to date.
Event Details
Where: King Philip Regional High School Track, 201 Franklin St., Wrentham
When: Sunday, May 5, 6 p.m.