Miles for SMILES 2019

The Eleventh Annual Miles for SMILES 5K Road Race & Walk held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 was an amazing success!  This annual event raised funding for the SMILES program, which provides school-based mentoring by pairing at-risk youth with a caring adult mentor.

Local businesses, organizations, and supporters participated in this event by committing to sponsorships and creating teams of runners and walkers. Mentors and community leaders also competed with one another by creating online fundraising teams. BayCoast Bank, for the 11th year in a row, was the event’s Title Sponsor, and the BayCoast team received the “Most Creative Team” award. Mechanics Cooperative Bank’s President & CEO Joseph Baptista was a strong leader in online fundraising efforts and received the “Top Fundraiser” award. Mechanics Cooperative Bank was the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event, and the bank’s entire team, led by team captain John McMahon, earned the “Top Fundraising Team” award.

Eastern Benefits Group showed their support for the mission of SMILES with a Community Level Sponsorship. People Incorporated Board Chair, David Bedard of Comp-Net Insurance, generously donated as a Mission Level Sponsor and participated in the awards ceremony that immediately followed the 5K Road Race and Walk.   Mission Level Sponsors included Atlantic Cleaning Co., Bearingstar Insurance, Bristol Pacific Homes, DarrowEverett LLP, The Lopes Companies, and Saint Anne’s Hospital. WB Mason demonstrated their support for the event by donating to BayCoast Bank’s fundraising page. The SMILES mentoring initiative is also generously supported by the Office of the Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III.

The event began with families enjoying face painting, a petting zoo presented by Blazing Saddles of Dartmouth, and a Kids’ Fun Run for children ages 12 and under where top finishers in their age categories received a medal.

The 5K kicked off immediately following the Kids’ Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. with more than 200 runners and walkers. The top three male finishers were Jake Moniz (First Place overall at 18:47); Angel J. Rosado (Second Place overall at 18:50); and Alex Pina (Third Place overall at 19:44.) The top three female finishers were Megan Scheffer (23:43); Nichole Heering (24:53); and Jessica Vezina (26:57.)

Members of People Incorporated’s Board of Directors, Janice Carrigg of Bristol Pacific Homes and Janna Lafrance of Lafrance Hospitality, graciously gave their time and guidance again as Co-Chairs of the Miles for SMILES 5K.

“SMILES plays an important role in helping to address the social and emotional needs of youth in our community,” said Megan Scheffer, President & CEO of People Incorporated. “I’m proud that our Agency will be able to continue to serve students in need of the support of a mentor.  I am so thankful for our Board of Directors, corporate sponsors, dedicated employees, motivated volunteers, and program supporters who came together to make this event such a success.”

For further information about SMILES, visit peopleinc-fr.org/services/smiles.