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Community Corner

Family Gratitude - 5K Dedham Turkey Trot

Ripples of Hope - Contact Information:
Event Director: Kristen Atwood, kristenatwood5@gmail.comMedia Inquiries: Marcia Robinson, marcia@ripplesofhope.org

Dedham Food Pantry - Contact Information:President: Lindsay Barich, lindsayb@uwinc.com

Dedham Youth Commission - Contact Information:Director: Rob Blaney, rblaney@dedham-ma.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dedham-based, Non-Profit Ripples of Hope Presents 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Family Gratitude 5K Turkey Trot to Benefit the Dedham Food Pantry and Dedham Youth Commission’s College Bound Program. Family-Friendly Race Offers Area Residents Opportunity to Give Back and Start or Continue a New Family Thanksgiving Day Tradition

Dedham, MA – November 2, 2013 – What better way to prepare for your Thanksgiving feast than by getting a little early morning exercise with family and friends while also giving back?  Dedham-based non-profit, Ripples of Hope is working with community partners, donors and volunteers to present the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Day “Family Gratitude 5K Turkey Trot” in Dedham to benefit Dedham Food Pantry and Dedham Youth Commission’s College Bound Program for area first generation college bound youth.  The event will feature a 5K Race, “Mashed Mile” ½ mile Kids Run and Food Drive on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th from 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM. The race will start and end at Dedham’s historic Endicott Estate property, located at 656 East Street in Dedham. 

Last year’s event raised $15,000 for the Dedham Food Pantry and drew nearly 800 runners. This year, Ripples of Hope aims to raise over $20,000 and welcome 1,000+ runners.  “Our goal for creating this race last year was to create a joyful family event and increase awareness and support for important Dedham-based social service organizations during a time of year when people are so focused on family and giving” says Race Founder and Director, Kristen Atwood. “We are excited to add the Dedham Youth Commission’s College Bound program to our roster this year and look forward to welcoming even more Dedham and local area families to join us and give back to local families who will benefit from extra support.”   

The event will kick off at 8:00 A.M. with a warm up and The “Mashed Mile” ½ mile Kids Run and the 5K run will begin at 8:30 AM. Finisher medals will be provided for all Kids Run participants and awards will be provided to the winners of each 5K overall age division.  All are welcome to register as an Individual, Family or Team. T-shirts guaranteed for first 700 pre-registered runners! Register at www.active.com .  5K Run participation fee: $25 for adults; $50 for families of 4 or more; $15 for students 18 & under. Kids Run is for ages 9 & under and participation is FREE. All participants are encouraged to bring a bag of non-perishable groceries to be sorted for the Food Pantry.

The race course will feature a US Track and Field Sanctioned Race Course designed by Pat Sweeney and approved by the Dedham Board of Selectmen. The Race Committee would like to thank all the local community members, businesses and sponsors for their support and in-kind donations that are making this event possible. To date, the following have generously agreed to help sponsor this event: Gratitude Sponsors: Dunkin Donuts – Carlos Andrade Franchisee, Needham Bank, Petrini Corp., Reebok, Ripples of Hope; Whole Foods Community Celebration Sponsors: Beth Israel Deaconess – Needham, Sara Campbell, CitySports, Lily Transportation Corp. Community Partner Sponsors: Blue Hills Bank, C2C Pilates Barre, Daniels, Dedham Savings, Dedham Youth Lacrosse, Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, Grogan and Company, Hollister Inc., Powers Design 

“During this annual celebration of Thanksgiving it is especially helpful for the community to provide extra food and support for the many area families who are in need,” says Lindsay Barich, Dedham Food Pantry President. “We are so grateful to Ripples of Hope and the many sponsors, volunteers and community members who are spearheading and supporting this important event again this year. This is the time of year to reflect and give thanks and this race is a true testament of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors!”

“The Dedham Youth Commission is so grateful and excited for all of the participants in this year’s Turkey Trot.  Through their participation in this community event, the College Bound program will be able to increase enrollment and serve more students. Simply put, this current day event will have a positive impact on the future of Dedham Youth.” 

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor or a Race Day volunteer email marcia@ripplesofhope.org.

Ripples of Hope: Founded in 2008 by Dedham Resident, Kristen Atwood, Ripples of Hope is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which engages diverse groups of families in local and global service projects and journeys.  The organization collaborates with local non-profits and community leaders who express a desire to build upon their existing strengths and are empowered to make a difference in their own communities. Through service, Ripples families delve into the heart of communities by working side-by-side with community residents and leaders on transformational and sustainable service projects. By building bridges between families and communities, we cultivate the foundation for continued partnership, discussion, and action and a lifetime of service. For more information, visit www.ripplesofhope.org.

Dedham Food Pantry: The Dedham Food Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving more than 700 residents each month and more than 350 families in need each year. With the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” the grassroots organization does not have any paid employees nor does it receive funding from the state or town, but instead relies solely on volunteers and donations to exist. Over 150 volunteers give their time each month to make the food pantry work efficiently for clients in need. Please make the Dedham Food Pantry your primary charity this Holiday season!  For more information, visit www.dedhamfoodpantry.org.

Dedham Youth Commission – College Bound Program:  Founded 40 years ago, the Dedham Youth Commission is dedicated to providing social, educational, recreational and health programs to the young people of Dedham. In 2012, the DYC developed and implemented the COLLEGE BOUND program. COLLEGE BOUND is a four-week summer residential program primarily for low-income and/or first generation Dedham middle school students. The goal of COLLEGE BOUND is to excite students about college, expose them to various careers, encourage them to lead healthy lives, and empower them to make positive change in their local and global communities. Proceeds from this year’s Turkey Trot will enable COLLEGE BOUND to increase enrollment of students and the services these students provide to their communities. For more information please contact Dedham Youth Commission at 781 326 3120 or rblaney@dedham-ma.gov

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