It was a hot, but beautiful day for the 21st annual Paces for Faces Walk and Family Picnic! Just over 445 participants braved the heat and took on the 3.5 mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.
Almost $55,000 was raised through hard work and efforts of the walkers who solicited donations, and the many who participated in the raffle, silent auction, and merchandise sales the day of the walk. As always, these funds will be used to further FFC’s educational outreach through free publications, videos, informational programs, the Foundation’s website and the annual student scholarship awards.
Those who arrived early to check-in were able to mingle and enjoy coffee, cocoa and donuts provided by Erik Lania and Dunkin’ Donuts. Children were entertained with face painting, temporary tattoos, and balloon creations, and our red carpet “photo booth” was a hit again this year for team photos. As walkers made their way to the tent for lunch, they were greeted by some lively strolling entertainment including ball and club juggling as well as hula hooping, a stilt walker, and more balloon creations.
A delicious lunch was provided in part by Roche Bros, and a beautiful cake by D’Amici’s Bakery. This is the sixth year that FFC has recognized those individuals who have raised $750 online by September 8th. This year’s Smile Striders wore yellow while the rest of the walkers sported bright red shirts. Our deep gratitude goes to each of this year’s Smile Striders: Norah Costigan, Lacey Clericuzio, Jack Dolan, Eliana Dormitzer, Maya Gray, Kate Greiner, Niko Joakim, Gabriel Kinross, Abby McGillivray, Wyatt Nelson, Daniel Rogers, Milton Rogers, Brielle Shea, Stephen Shusterman, and Paul Ward. To the committee, and to those of you who worked on tent set up, registration, food, raffle, auction, merchandise, and children’s activities, we extend our deepest thanks!
This year’s walk committee was lead by co-chairs Olivia Oppel and Elizabeth Hunter, and included Vice-President Ann-Marie Rogers, Patricia Connery, Monir Sakha, Liz O’Keefe, Jennifer Dodwell, and Tara Grenier with support from the many others sporting teal volunteer t-shirts! Thank you to the members of the FFC Board of Directors and over 20 additional volunteers who donated their time to ensure the Walk’s success. We are also grateful to Blake Moloney for donating photography.
Last, many thanks to the individuals, families and businesses who donated to this year’s raffle raising just over $1,700. A special thank you to Roche Bros. and D’Amici’s Bakery for their donations again this year. If you are interested in serving on next year’s walk committee or volunteering to help the day of the walk, let us know. You can email us at walk@facesofchildren.org or call us at 617-355-8299. Looking forward to seeing you all next year!