Running for Dylan - Sandy Hook
Donation protected
My name is Paul Mezick, and I am reaching out to you hoping that you can help me with a fundraising endeavor in honor of one of the victims of the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school several years ago. In light of the recent tragedy at a Florida High School, the movement to unite people of all beliefs and backgrounds who value the protection of children to take meaningful actions in their homes and communities, to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life is once again gaining momentum. GoFundMe has asked me to clarify that this campaign is not for victims in Florida. Instead this campaign is for Dylan Hockley (Sandy Hook 2012) and Dylan’s Wings of Change Foundation.
Sandy Hook 2012

Since 2013 The Ragnar Relay series has served as a platform ( Wingman Foundation and Ragnar ) for athletes of all types to come together to train for and complete an ultra distance running relay. The very first team called themselves Dylan’s Wings of Change. The team pronounced that they were “Running for Dylan”, thus establishing a commitment to training hard and supporting the newly created Memorial Fund for Dylan Hockley ( Dylan Memorial Fund ). In 2015 we organized nine teams of 120 runners and drivers who were able to raise a combined $75, 000. I participated as a runner in that event, again in 2016, and then in 2017 as a driver (that's me kneeling). I will participate again this year as a running member of a six person ultra team. Help me support an organization that has brought to our school children something positive from what was so tragic for many families and friends of the victims. This year our team of six runners will traverse 200 miles of roads from Hull Massachusetts to Provincetown on May 11 and 12, 2018

The funds raised go towards the Wingman Foundation ( Wingman Foundation Information ), a project initiated under the Dylan's Wings of Change Foundation ( Dylan's Wings of Change ). Our Team has an established Crowdrise page, but I was hoping to reach more people by using GoFundMe in addition to the team page. Any funds received will be deposited into this year’s team Crowdrise page, or given directly to the Ian Hockley or affiliates of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. I've attached a link last year’s 2017 page for reference RUN DWC 2017 TEAM PAGE.

WHAT IS WINGMAN?
There is a growing belief and body of research around the significant benefits of inclusive environments for the physical, behavioral and emotional development of ALL children, not just those with disabilities and special needs.
While many organizations want to promote inclusion, they lack an easy framework to implement the social and emotional learning needed to create a supportive environment for everyone.
Without clear guidance, children that see differences in others can retreat to a position of distrust or fear, leading to negative behaviors such as exclusion, meanness and bullying. Furthermore, the atmosphere of some organizations is impacted by the adults who act out-of-control without regard to the best interests of the children.
Wingman addresses these gaps and is designed to be used in a wide range of organizations, from our schools through dance, sports, recreation and beyond. Wingman is designed for all children to experience, no matter what their ability. The primary goal is for all children to feel accepted by recognizing their unique and individual strengths and boosting their self-confidence.
Wingman is creating amazing change in the organizations that have adopted it; to date there are 20 schools and 60 dance studios registered in the program. Wingman can only expand to more communities through the power of your donations. In 2018 with your support Wingman will become available for Summer Camps. Now more than ever our children need the maximum opportunity to nurture their social and emotional health. All donations are gratefully received.


Sandy Hook 2012
Since 2013 The Ragnar Relay series has served as a platform ( Wingman Foundation and Ragnar ) for athletes of all types to come together to train for and complete an ultra distance running relay. The very first team called themselves Dylan’s Wings of Change. The team pronounced that they were “Running for Dylan”, thus establishing a commitment to training hard and supporting the newly created Memorial Fund for Dylan Hockley ( Dylan Memorial Fund ). In 2015 we organized nine teams of 120 runners and drivers who were able to raise a combined $75, 000. I participated as a runner in that event, again in 2016, and then in 2017 as a driver (that's me kneeling). I will participate again this year as a running member of a six person ultra team. Help me support an organization that has brought to our school children something positive from what was so tragic for many families and friends of the victims. This year our team of six runners will traverse 200 miles of roads from Hull Massachusetts to Provincetown on May 11 and 12, 2018
The funds raised go towards the Wingman Foundation ( Wingman Foundation Information ), a project initiated under the Dylan's Wings of Change Foundation ( Dylan's Wings of Change ). Our Team has an established Crowdrise page, but I was hoping to reach more people by using GoFundMe in addition to the team page. Any funds received will be deposited into this year’s team Crowdrise page, or given directly to the Ian Hockley or affiliates of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. I've attached a link last year’s 2017 page for reference RUN DWC 2017 TEAM PAGE.
WHAT IS WINGMAN?
There is a growing belief and body of research around the significant benefits of inclusive environments for the physical, behavioral and emotional development of ALL children, not just those with disabilities and special needs.
While many organizations want to promote inclusion, they lack an easy framework to implement the social and emotional learning needed to create a supportive environment for everyone.
Without clear guidance, children that see differences in others can retreat to a position of distrust or fear, leading to negative behaviors such as exclusion, meanness and bullying. Furthermore, the atmosphere of some organizations is impacted by the adults who act out-of-control without regard to the best interests of the children.
Wingman addresses these gaps and is designed to be used in a wide range of organizations, from our schools through dance, sports, recreation and beyond. Wingman is designed for all children to experience, no matter what their ability. The primary goal is for all children to feel accepted by recognizing their unique and individual strengths and boosting their self-confidence.
Wingman is creating amazing change in the organizations that have adopted it; to date there are 20 schools and 60 dance studios registered in the program. Wingman can only expand to more communities through the power of your donations. In 2018 with your support Wingman will become available for Summer Camps. Now more than ever our children need the maximum opportunity to nurture their social and emotional health. All donations are gratefully received.
Organizer
Paul Mezick
Organizer
Chester, CT
