From left, Cooperative Educational Services teacher Stephanie Wanzer, Darien teacher Katy Gale, and Redding teacher Mary Patterson ran for Team CEF in the Hartford half marathon Saturday.
Cooperative Educational Services teacher Stephanie Wanzer and her colleagues Darien teacher Katy Gale and Redding teacher Mary Patterson were among dozens of CEA members, and their family and friends, who braved the rain to run on Team CEF—The Connecticut Education Foundation Team—in the Hartford Marathon on October 11 and raise money for a good cause.
“It was so exciting and so much fun,” said Wanzer, who along with Gale ran the half marathon.
Bloomfield teacher Mary Kay Rendock also laced up for Team CEF. Rendock, along with Bloomfield colleagues Howard Dashefsky, Beth Cote, Kelly Drury, and Kiernan Shippee participated in the marathon relay, while Sharon Corcoran ran in the 5K.
Rendock, who has been running for four years, said the marathon has a special meaning for her. “My dad was my inspiration and support and always cheered me on from the sidelines,” she said. “He passed away last year, just one day after the marathon, so I am running in his memory this year.”
Corcoran said she has been walking on a regular basis, but when she found out about Team CEF, she decided to run her first 5K.
“I enjoy everything about races and it’s great to raise money for teachers, children, and the foundation,” said Corcoran.
Bloomfield teacher runners,from left, Kelly Drury, Howard Dashefsky, Mary Kay Rendock, and Kiernan Shippee (missing from photo is Beth Cote).
Rendock added, “Supporting the CEF was a bonus. This is an awesome and generous foundation. Both students and teachers here in Bloomfield have benefited from it. We were thrilled to help.”
CEF was an Official Charity of the 2014 Northeast Utilities Hartford Marathon. The Foundation helps teachers and children with extraordinary personal hardships as well as students planning teaching careers.
This is the first year CEF has teamed up with the Hartford Marathon, and CEA Vice President Jeff Leake, who also serves as CEF President, thanked everyone for their support.
“We couldn’t have done it without all the runners, the volunteers, and the generous donors,” said Leake.
Many teachers, family, and friends donated to Team CEF with Wanzer and Gale leading the fundraising efforts.
“We got the word out about the race and Team CEF and our colleagues came through. Some of them ran in the race, while others donated to the cause,” said Gale.
“We are so grateful to everyone who participated and to those who donated to CEF,” said Leake. “We know teachers are dedicated, caring individuals and they are extremely generous when it comes to giving back to their colleagues, their students, and the community. We know with our participation we will be able to expand our outreach and provide more services and assistance to teachers and students across the state. We hope everyone will continue supporting CEF’s presence at the Hartford Marathon in years to come.”
CEF was a bit short of its $5,000 goal, but there’s still time to contribute on behalf of a runner, or simply donate to the Foundation.
Since its inception in 1991, the CEF has distributed more than a million dollars in assistance and scholarships.
Click on photos below to enlarge.
