The Jingle Bell 5k
Donation protected
My coworker, Mike Manifold, recently brought The Jingle Bell 5k on December 8th to my attention. It's an amazing fundraiser that he has been involved with for the last few years by both raising money and running in the race, and each year the event continues to gain attention and participants. It's really a day to bring the community together to support a great cause and get in the holiday spirit!
The event raises money for The Brian Dagle Foundation whose mission is to offer healing, hope, and support for adults grieving the loss of a loved one with support groups, grief counseling, and programs at Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope and Healing. In addition, to provide education on mental health and suicide prevention through evidence-based training on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. The foundation was created in honor of Brian Dagle who tragically died by suicide in 2011. I am in awe of this family who was able to accept this devastating experience and turn around to help other families and individuals facing similar situations.
This year, the 5k falls on what would be my sister’s 28th birthday. Kelsey was a beautiful person inside and out, but she faced a long battle with drugs and alcohol, leading to an accidental overdose 6 years ago. Being only 3 years apart, we were very close growing up. Last year, I made a commitment to myself that I would spend her birthday in a positive and constructive way helping others. I finally had the strength to speak up about my loss, and found that sharing my experience and raising awareness and donations brought me a sense of peace.
Mike and I will be fundraising for this powerful cause as well as running in the race on December 8th in East Lyme, CT, and yes, we will be dressed for the holiday occasion! We would be thankful for any monetary donations (you can use this gofundme page)and honored to have you run by our side! Early Bird Registration ends November 23rd, $30 for Adults, $20 for Kids/Students (with a school ID). Day of Event Registration is $35 for Adults, $25 for Kids/Students. You can register and find more information at http://nianticjinglebell5k.itsyourrace.com
The event raises money for The Brian Dagle Foundation whose mission is to offer healing, hope, and support for adults grieving the loss of a loved one with support groups, grief counseling, and programs at Brian’s Healing Hearts Center for Hope and Healing. In addition, to provide education on mental health and suicide prevention through evidence-based training on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. The foundation was created in honor of Brian Dagle who tragically died by suicide in 2011. I am in awe of this family who was able to accept this devastating experience and turn around to help other families and individuals facing similar situations.
This year, the 5k falls on what would be my sister’s 28th birthday. Kelsey was a beautiful person inside and out, but she faced a long battle with drugs and alcohol, leading to an accidental overdose 6 years ago. Being only 3 years apart, we were very close growing up. Last year, I made a commitment to myself that I would spend her birthday in a positive and constructive way helping others. I finally had the strength to speak up about my loss, and found that sharing my experience and raising awareness and donations brought me a sense of peace.
Mike and I will be fundraising for this powerful cause as well as running in the race on December 8th in East Lyme, CT, and yes, we will be dressed for the holiday occasion! We would be thankful for any monetary donations (you can use this gofundme page)and honored to have you run by our side! Early Bird Registration ends November 23rd, $30 for Adults, $20 for Kids/Students (with a school ID). Day of Event Registration is $35 for Adults, $25 for Kids/Students. You can register and find more information at http://nianticjinglebell5k.itsyourrace.com
Organizer
Brittany Behrens
Organizer
West Hartford, CT
