The Immaculate High School’s She’s the First Chapter hosted their 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run in memory of Rebecca Draper Townsend on Saturday, April 22nd at Tarrywile Park in Danbury. Over 100 walkers and runners came out to pay tribute to Rebecca and the work she started by founding the She's the First Chapter at Immaculate. She's the First is a national organization that provides educational scholarships to young girls in developing countries. Rebecca started the first high school chapter of the organization at Immaculate but unfortunately was taken from us all as a result of a tragic accident shortly after her graduation in 2015. The Immaculate Chapter has continued the important work Rebecca started. Due to the success of last year's 5K, the Chapter sponsors six girls this year and the goal of the 2nd 5K was to increase the number of sponsorships for next year.

Even though it was a rainy day, the weather did not dampen the positive spirit and wonderful generosity of all those who participated. Fortunately, many members of the Draper-Townsend Family were able to participate, as well as friends of the family, Immaculate staff, parents and students and members of the larger Danbury community. Dr. Joan Draper, mother of Rebecca, expressed her thanks for the support and enthusiasm of all those who attended. She also shared that the event has become an important way for the family to continue to celebrate Rebecca's life.

Saturday's event was a huge success raising net proceeds of $6800, $1,400 above last year's total. The top three runners for the event were Tom LeFebvre, Logan Plaisted and Brynn Bergin. The success of the event was due to many generous sponsors and donors. Thanks also goes to the Mustang All Sports Club for donating all of the water for the event, Peachwave for donating gift certificates for the top runners and also supporter, Pembroke Plumbing.

The event would not have been possible without the support of Immaculate's Coach Brian Hayes and track team members, staff members including Mary Maloney, President/Principal of Immaculate, Deacon Font, the entire Advancement Team, Mr. Burns, Mrs. Loya, Mrs. Nolan, Mrs. Smyth, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Wild and a wonderful and dedicated group of parent and community volunteers. Kudos also to student Isabel Kent, President of our She's the First Chapter and the entire student 5K team for all their support and hard work.

This year, as a new part of the Run and a way to encourage more student involvement , each Immaculate class was challenged to raise $400, the cost of sponsoring one student for a year, prior to the run. We proudly report that the Class of 2018 met that challenge head on and raised $524 as part of the net proceeds. They will be rewarded with a Dress Down Day dedicated to them, as well as a class Bagel Breakfast.

Thanks to all those who once again supported a great cause and paid tribute to a wonderful young woman who continues to make a meaningful impact because of folks like you!!!