Registration Now Open for 2018 Step Up for Colleen 5K
Organizers Accepting Sponsorships to Defray Cost of May 6th Race, Generate Additional Resources for Scholarship Fund
(ANDOVER, Massachusetts) – The Fifth Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K, in memory of beloved teacher Colleen Ritzer, will be held in Andover’s Central Park on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 9 a.m. Registration is now open at www.stepupforcolleen.com. Proceeds from the walk/run event will benefit college scholarships awarded to graduating Andover and Danvers High School seniors who plan to pursue a college degree in teaching.
“Each year we are amazed and grateful for the thousands that continue to remember Colleen and support her legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher,” said the Ritzer Family. “We find strength through these individuals who ‘Step Up’ each year to raise resources for the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund that provides assistance to those Andover and Danvers High School graduates with aspirations to pursue the noble career of teaching.”
Each year, the event draws thousands of walkers and runners of all ages to the USA Track & Field certified course. “The community has come together in an incredible way to honor Colleen’s legacy, and to support a lasting scholarship that will allow her love of life and for teaching to live on through other educators who share her passion,” said race director Nina Caron.
Century Bank has signed on as the event’s title sponsor. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Benefits vary by level and include a company logo on event apparel, recognition on the race website and in all promotional materials, public acknowledgment at the event, complimentary registrations and more. Companies and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Eileen Rullo at sponsorships@stepupforcolleen.com or (978) 397-3186.
About Colleen Ritzer
Colleen Ritzer, a lifelong resident of Andover, passed away on October 22, 2013. She was a 2007 graduate of Andover High School and a 2011 graduate of Assumption College. Colleen was a math teacher at Danvers High School while pursuing a graduate degree at Salem State College. She adored spending time with her family and friends and was an amazing daughter and big sister to her brother and sister, Daniel and Laura. She made a lasting impression on everyone she met. From a young age, Colleen knew she wanted to be a teacher and worked diligently to achieve her goal. Even though teaching was her profession, it was also one of her favorite hobbies and her passion. She spent countless hours finding unique and creative ways to inspire and teach her students.
About the Step Up for Colleen Fund
The Step Up for Colleen Fund, held at the Essex County Community Foundation, supports charitable activities that honor the legacy of Colleen Ritzer, including the Colleen E. Ritzer Scholarship Fund, which benefits graduating Andover and Danvers High School seniors who demonstrate a passion for teaching, academic excellence, and love of family. Since its inception, the Colleen E. Ritzer Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $138,000 to 39 deserving students.