Annual stroll honors those who have passed away

Date: 11/24/2008

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern



LONGMEADOW Longmeadow High School's Sport and Event Management class started the Stroll for Strength two years ago.

The money raised by this year's walk on Nov. 26 will be going to benefit foundations set up by the families of Brianna Donovan, Bob Pisani, Christine DoCarmo, Maggie Camp and Harry Rea. The foundations include the Brianna Donovan Foundation, the Bob Pisani Children's Fund, the Hunter DoCarmo Scholarship Foundation and charities chosen by the familes of Maggie Camp and Harry Rea.

"It's been very inspiring for both the students and the families we've been honoring," John Pantuosco, one of the teachers of the Sport and Event Management classes at LHS, said.

The Stroll for Strength started in 2006 with the inspiration of a road race.

"A few girls who knew Brianna Donovan wanted to honor her in the road race. Shortly after, Mr. Pisani passed away and we felt it was our duty to honor him also," Pantuosco said.

This year's walk will begin at the Longmeadow High School back parking lot with registration starting at 12:15 p.m. The "Three Pete" will include a 5K (3.2 mile) run and a two mile walk. For the registration fee of $15, participants can walk and receive a T-shirt. To walk only, it costs $7. Bracelets can also be purchased for $2 each.

"We've raised a few thousand dollars for the families. This year, we hope to help everyone's holiday be better with a gift of money and memory," Pantuosco commented.

Runners will be starting at 1 p.m. with walkers starting shortly after. The route winds through many Longmeadow streets and the whole walk will be guided by police.

Donations will also be accepted until Dec. 15. One does not need to walk or run to make a difference.

For more information, please contact John Pantuosco or Vivian Morse at 565-4220.