Third Annual Walkathon: A Big Success in Walking for Respite

Raises Over $120,000

HARTFORD, CT, May 2006      The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (HARC) held its third Annual Walkathon, Walkathon 2006, on Sunday, May 7, at Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury. Co-chairs for the event were Jackie Benton and Chrissy Barnard of Simsbury, along with a volunteer committee of Sara Allan, Kelly McDonough, Lauren Vanderbeck, of Simsbury and Honorary Chair, Marion Zaffino of Granby.

The event, which was supported by over 37 sponsors, drew over 600 walkers and 120 volunteers. Among them were teams from some of the major sponsors such as Guy Carpenter & Company and Interim HealthCare, as well as from HARC group homes, staff, participants and member families, Board of Directors, St. Mary’s School, Tootin Hills Elementary School and other friends of the organization. 

Platinum Sponsors for the event were Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. of New York and Hartford, The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company, NBC 30 Partners in a Caring Community and Werth Family Foundation.

Gold Sponsors for the event were Harbor Point Services, Inc., Interim HealthCare of Farmington, and Marion & Sal Zaffino.

Persefone Contos, Sports Anchor for NBC 30, hosted the event, ably standing in for Gerry Brooks who hosted the first two Walkathons.

Proceeds from Walkathon 2006 will benefit HARC’s Respite Program, which provides families of children with multiple disabilities or who are medically fragile, with a way to take a break, rest and recharge from the rigors of caring for their child. HARC offers an array of options in a variety of locations to meet the wide-ranging needs of different families. In-home assistance, organized family retreats, and weekend day - camping are a few of those options.

The Greater Hartford Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (HARC) was formed in 1951 by parents of children with mental retardation. HARC remains true to its mission of helping people with mental retardation and their families enjoy lives of quality, inclusion and dignity by providing support, education and advocacy.

HARC currently serves over 800 people a day and runs 11 group homes and condominiums and 8 supported living arrangements in the Greater Hartford area. 

HARC Board member, Alex Rosario of New Britain, and his team at the HARC Walkathon

 Tootin Hills Elementary School students, Ally Pappa and Samantha Preiser who raised $500 for the HARC Walkathon with Alex Benton, in whose honor the Walkthon Event was begun.

Jackie Benton and Chrissy Barnard of Simsbury, Co-Chairs of HARC’s Walkathon 2006.