New Milford Education Foundation Forms Road Runners Club

As their first innovative fundraising initiative, the re-energized New Milford Education Foundation has established the New Milford Road Runners Club as a way to raise funds while bringing together the community by promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle, said Foundation Board members Jim Prendergast and Joe LoPorto. 

According to Prendergast, the New Milford Education Foundation is an independent, registered non-profit that supports the high educational standards of the New Milford Public Schools by maximizing opportunities needed to meet the District's educational and capital needs. Its board members include School Superintendent Michael Polizzi, teachers representing each school and parents.

Prendergast and LoPorto said that in deciding what their fundraising initiatives would be, they did not want to step on the toes of the Parent-Teacher Organizations, or any of the youth sports programs. 

"We're all competing for the same money," Prendergast said. "We wanted to make sure that we weren't stepping on anyone else's toes in our fundraising efforts."

Veteran runner Joe LoPorto said a running club just seemed natural. "For less than the cost of a gym membership, the club can build your spirit and strengthen and tone your body while getting out and meeting other members of the community."

LoPorto stressed that whether your goal is to get healthy or start a running program, the New Milford Road Runners Club will provide support and professional training to runners on every level--from beginners to masters.

How many times have you paid monthly fees to a gym you rarely used? For a fraction of the cost, you can come out with your community, burn more calories than you ever imagined and have a support group to encourage you to reach your goal--whether it is to run one mile or a marathon. 

The goal of the New Milford Road Runners Club inaugural campaign is to find at least 10 people to commit to raising a minimum of $1000 over the 12 month campaign period while training for a marathon. The Club will provide support to help you raise the money, help set up a training plan and provide counseling and support along the way to achieving this goal. 

For those who achieve the fundraising goal, the Club will send you to the Mount Desert Island Marathon in Bar Harbor, Maine in October of 2014. The Club will provide the entry fee, transportation, lodging and training. 

For the person who trains the hardest, runs the fastest and raises the most money, the Club will be offering the grand prize--entry into the New York City Marathon in November 2014. 

If you want to check it out and see what the New Milford Road Runners Club is all about, they will be having a short meeting followed by an easy run Thursday at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the circle area outside of New Milford High School. The run is geared for all runners--whether you are a couch potato or a seasoned marathoner, all abilities are welcomed. 

If you have never run before--here's your chance to get started with people who will coach you and motivate you. 

Click here to 'Like' the New Milford Runners Club on Facebook. 

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