When a race for charity is more than a race

By Nicole Valentine

Seven years have passed since the tragic Worcester Cold Storage & Warehouse Co. fire that took the lives of six Worcester firefighters on Dec. 3, 1999. A day forever etched in the minds of our community. In the months that followed, as part of the healing process, a group of firefighters, under the leadership of Lt. John Franco and Capt. Michael Lavoie, came together to plan an event that would not only memorialize their fallen brothers each year, but also offer an opportunity to give back to the community who supported the Worcester Fire Department during its darkest days.

For the past seven years, organizers of the WFD 6K Memorial Road Race have selected local charities to benefit from the proceeds, with donations totaling over $175,000. Past charities include Sherry's House/Why Me, the American Red Cross, the UMass Ronald McDonald Care Unit, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Worcester Firefighters Memorial Fund to name a few.

Each year more than 800 walkers and runners participate in the 6K and more than 2,000 people are present at Institute Park on the day of the event. Activities include a free family barbecue, a Kiddie Corner with a moonwalk and clowns, a concert by the Worcester Firefighters' Pipes and Drums, a live DJ, free massages, a silent sports auction, a post-race party at Jillian's, a chance to win two round-trip tickets donated by Jet Blue Airlines and much more.

"Recent news has focused on contract negotiations, department reorganizations and the like, and oftentimes we find ourselves caught up in the hustle of everyday life," says John Franco, chairman of the Worcester Firefighters' Memorial 6K. "This one day is dedicated to our fallen brothers and our community, a way for the Worcester Fire Department to say thank you, and we remember," Franco says, adding: "The race/walk is unlike any other event around the city of Worcester. The focus of our event is not on the race itself, nor is the focus on donating to the charities; it's more about the community and bringing the city and surrounding towns together for a block party."

Organizers are hoping this year's event — slated for Sunday, June 10 at Institute Park — will be the largest yet. Members of the Memorial 6K Race Committee and the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts have announced a partnership which will raise additional funds for fire victims in our community and offer one lucky person $10,000. That day, 3,000 numbered golf balls will be dropped from a Worcester Fire Department aerial scope truck to a golf hole below — the person's golf ball that lands in the hole first or closest to the hole will be the winner of the ten grand.

"Our community was there for us in our time of need and we will continue to remember their support for years to come," Franco says. "We hope that people will save June 10 on their calendars and join us for an unforgettable day of fun, food and reflection."

For race registration, please visit www.wfd6k.org or pre-register at Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove St., Worcester, on Friday, June 8 from 5-9 p.m. Day-of-race registration is at Institute Park from 10 a.m. to noon. We sincerely thank the community for their continued support. o

Nicole Valentine is the director of Emergency Services/Public Affairs for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. Comments? E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it