Published in the March 16, 2017 edition.
Inaugural race will raise funds for Mustard Seed Communities
BOSTON — The first annual Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run is being held on Saturday, April 8 along the Charles River at Boston’s DCR Artesani Park in remembrance of Northeastern University student Ryan Scott Shaw.
Ryan passed away at the age of 18 on May 9, 2016 shortly after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Ryan, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, attended St. John’s Prep in Danvers where he excelled academically, becoming an award-winning painter and successful entrepreneur.
Prior to high school, Ryan attended Saint Joseph School in Wakefield and was an active athlete in the community, playing Wakefield travel soccer, little league baseball, and basketball. Ryan spent his first semester at Northeastern University studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland before returning to Boston for his freshman spring semester.
Ryan possessed the ability to get the most out of his friends and peers through his unique combination of charisma, sense of humor, and natural drive for success.
All proceeds from the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run will benefit Mustard Seed Communities (MSC), an international nonprofit organization that provides aid to impoverished and vulnerable communities at their facilities in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Zimbabwe.
MSC is dedicated to the residential care of children and adults with a range of developmental and physical disabilities including down syndrome, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy.
Ryan Shaw developed a passion for MSC’s work while attending a high school service trip with MSC to Montego Bay, Jamaica, during which he aided in residential service projects and provided educational mentoring to children.
In addition to the 5K run itself, food offerings from local vendors, a live music performance and an appearance from the 103.3 AMP Radio Street Team, promotional items from event sponsors, and a 50/50 raffle will available to all participants and spectators on race day.
How to Contribute to the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run:
Register to run or walk in the race. Participants who register by March 20 will receive a complimentary event t-shirt. Late registration shirts will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis on race day. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to run or walk in the race.
Sponsor the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run with your company or organization by donating funds and/or in-kind items to the event to help offset the costs associated with event set up, race day equipment, and administrative expenses. Sponsor logos will be displayed on the event website, race day t-shirts, and event banners.
Donate directly to Mustard Seed Communities by making a contribution through MSC’s event-specific fundraiser page (available online).
Please visit ryanshaw5k.org to find more detailed information regarding the event, including registration, sponsorship, and donation opportunities.
