WEF and New England 65 Plus Runners Club partner for Jerry's Run for All Ages for 10th year

For the 10th consecutive year, The New England 65 Plus Runners Club chose the Wakefield Educational Foundation as a beneficiary of proceeds from Jerry's Run for All Ages which took place on November 6th.  This year, the Club will donate $3000 to the Wakefield Educational Foundation.  In addition to this generous donation, Karen Durante from Newburyport, a race winner, donated her prize money to WEF. 

WEF Directors, Elizabeth Russell, Violeta Yu, and Gayle Wettach host the post- race snack table.

 "WEF greatly appreciates its partnership with the 65 Plus Runners Club and thanks the Club and its members for their ongoing generosity.  Donations from this annual event have become an integral part of scholastic grants enhancing the educational experience for all Wakefield students", stated WEF's race committee chair, Violeta Yu. 

After a 1 year hiatus, the New England 65 Plus Runners Club returned to Lake Quannapowitt for their annual road race, known for attracting and celebrating runners of all ages.  303 runners from 25 towns and 7 states ranging in age from 6-92 participated in this year's race.  This year's race drew a particularly large number of runners under the age of 14 as over 30 participants of the Galvin Middle School Cross Country Team joined in.  The Club and WEF greatly appreciate Galvin Middle School's strong participation.  

This year's race held special significance to the 65 Plus Runner's Club as it took on a new name in memory of Club friend and race founder Jerry Panarese who passed away in 2020.  WEF partnered with the Race Committee to provide a water stop as well as post race snacks and baked goods.   

To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar; the S.T.A.R.S. program, recognizing exemplary WPS staff; Chocolate Roses; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $400,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools district since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at WEF01880.org.