|
|
|
When runners check in for the 11th Annual Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race, Walk and Family Day this Sunday, Sept. 9, nearly 400 of them will be given a ribbon bearing the name of a Massachusetts 9/11 family member who died, or the name of a Massachusetts service member who died in service since 9/11. The participants will be asked to pin the ribbon on and run in memory of that individual.
“While this is a fun event that brings more than a thousand people together each year, we want the participants to be aware of the underlying reason we do this,” said Christie Coombs, Jeff’s widow and founder of the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation. “The worst terrorist attack in our Nation’s history resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, but it also continued to take lives and still does through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We want the public to acknowledge the commitment and sacrifices of the military and their families, as well as remember those innocent people who died on 9/11. This is a meaningful but simple way to do that.” In addition to the ribbons, there will be two memory books containing the names and short description of each person who died. A piece of World Trade Center Steel will also be on display.
Tying in with community service, Coombs is asking all participants to bring a non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent DePaul food Pantry, and old cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers. The organization’s founders, Brittany and Robbie Berquist, will be on hand to collect the donations. All contributions will be rewarded with a few free raffle tickets.
“We really wanted to connect the service aspect with this event as we do each year,” said Coombs. “Two years ago 9/11 was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, so we actively encourage people to acknowledge the anniversary by doing a random act of kindness or participating in a community service activity. Through the Road Race/Family Day, we’re offering a great opportunity to do something good and make an impact.”
The 5K Road Race, Walk and Family Day will be held at the Woodsdale School in Abington. Walk-in registrations are welcome, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start. Walk-ins can also register on Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Woodsdale while pre-registered runners and walkers can pick u their numbers during that time to avoid the lines on Sunday morning.
When runners check in for the 11th Annual Jeff Coombs Memorial Road Race, Walk and Family Day this Sunday, Sept. 9, nearly 400 of them will be given a ribbon bearing the name of a Massachusetts 9/11 family member who died, or the name of a Massachusetts service member who died in service since 9/11. The participants will be asked to pin the ribbon on and run in memory of that individual.
“While this is a fun event that brings more than a thousand people together each year, we want the participants to be aware of the underlying reason we do this,” said Christie Coombs, Jeff’s widow and founder of the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation. “The worst terrorist attack in our Nation’s history resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, but it also continued to take lives and still does through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We want the public to acknowledge the commitment and sacrifices of the military and their families, as well as remember those innocent people who died on 9/11. This is a meaningful but simple way to do that.” In addition to the ribbons, there will be two memory books containing the names and short description of each person who died. A piece of World Trade Center Steel will also be on display.
Tying in with community service, Coombs is asking all participants to bring a non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent DePaul food Pantry, and old cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers. The organization’s founders, Brittany and Robbie Berquist, will be on hand to collect the donations. All contributions will be rewarded with a few free raffle tickets.
“We really wanted to connect the service aspect with this event as we do each year,” said Coombs. “Two years ago 9/11 was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, so we actively encourage people to acknowledge the anniversary by doing a random act of kindness or participating in a community service activity. Through the Road Race/Family Day, we’re offering a great opportunity to do something good and make an impact.”
The 5K Road Race, Walk and Family Day will be held at the Woodsdale School in Abington. Walk-in registrations are welcome, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start. Walk-ins can also register on Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Woodsdale while pre-registered runners and walkers can pick u their numbers during that time to avoid the lines on Sunday morning.
Remembering Jeff Coombs, the Abington husband and father of three who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the event features free food, many children’s activities, a DJ, music, a stilt-walker, Joes’ Crazzy Critters, moonwalks, and raffles. The Army National Guard will be there with its pedal cars, and the Abington Police and Fire Departments will have vehicles there for kids to explore. There are awards for the many age categories, and a stroller division. A short children’s race will take place at 8:30 a.m., just before the opening ceremonies which will feature Canton girls Oladunni and Olayeni Oladipo singing their original tribute to our country called “A Song for America” and the National Anthem. The opening ceremonies will also pay tribute to military personnel. Any active duty service members who plan to attend should contact Christie at 781-982-1608 to be recognized.
The event benefits the Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation, a 501C-3 created to assist families across Massachusetts who are affected by death or illness or other circumstances that challenge the family emotionally and/or financially. The Foundation also assists military families through grants and special programs, including a holiday party for up to 400 family members that was featured in the December issue of Family Circle Magazine.
Event details are available on http://www.jeffcoombsfund.org/fundraising-events. Registration fees are $23 for adults, $18 for students and $8 for children under 12.
