Annual Reliant Foundation 5K Raises More Than $31,000 for Community Grants Program
Proceeds Support Mental Health and
Substance Use Recovery
“The picture-perfect New England fall day, coupled with the incredible energy and
enthusiasm of our participants and volunteers, made for another wonderful event,” said Kelsa Zereski, Reliant Foundation President. “We’re proud the event continues to draw hundreds of runners, walkers, and spectators each year. We are very fortunate to have the help of more than 50 community volunteers, and to receive such strong support from corporate and individual sponsors that help us make the day a success.”
Beginning and ending at Shore Park in Worcester, the certified, chip-timed road race
provided a scenic route for runners and walkers around Indian Lake. This year’s race saw repeat Champions for both the Top Overall Male and Top Overall Female: Oscar Herrera, of Worcester, with a time of 17:24, and Jamie McNamara, of Shrewsbury, coming in at 21:12. Additional awards were presented in age categories ranging from “12 and Under” to “80 and Over.” The Top Team Overall, “Team Munq,” was captained by Timothy Hally and Justin Matsen of Shrewsbury. The team was presented with the Community Team Trophy.
The Presenting Sponsor for this year’s race was Amazon, Run Sponsor was Aponi
Aesthetics, and Jog Sponsor, Seven Hills Foundation. Other major sponsors included
Anna Maria College, Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Fidelity Bank, George F.
& Sybil H. Fuller Foundation, Dr. Joshua Greenberg, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Open Sky Community Services, and YMCA of Central MA. Post-Race Ceremonies and Refreshments were sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank and Shine Initiative. Event partners included The Bancroft School and Greendale Family YMCA.
The Reliant Foundation 5K was the first in a new race series called “5K for Good,” which
also includes upcoming races hosted by Abby’s House and Veterans Inc. Through this
collaboration, these three organizations want to bring awareness to the importance of
community partnerships and how working together can make a positive change in the
lives of those who need it most.
The 15th Annual Abby’s House Hybrid 5K Run/Walk will take place on October 19 at
West Boylston Middle/High School. Veterans Inc. will close out the 5K for Good series
with the Run4Veterans 5K Walk/Run on November 3 at Polar Park in Worcester.
For more information about how to support the Reliant Foundation or the Foundation’s
grantmaking process, visit reliantfoundation.org.
About The Reliant Foundation
Established in 1988, Reliant Foundation is an independent public charity whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the Central and MetroWest regions of Massachusetts. As a 501(c)3 charity, the Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations within its service area for the purpose of supporting programs that battle critical community health issues like substance use disorder, and children’s mental health. Our charity partners work with thousands of individuals in our community to provide life-saving recovery coaching, mental health and behavioral health services, and impactful education and initiatives to reduce the stigma around these issues.
For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org
