Johnny's Jog for Charity Planned for March 19

I’ve run my fair share of road races throughout the years. The ones that were memorable usually involved setting a personal record (still trying to break 24 minutes in a 5K) or some kind of extreme weather (half marathon in pouring rain, full marathon in 80-degree Florida heat). Even right after the race, I often would be hard-pressed to recall the name of the charity – and there usually is at least one – that benefited from my registration fee.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity is about so much more than just running, and it will be tough to forget what it’s all about. This 5K is about raising money for charities that directly benefit children and their families, and enabling them to help other families. It’s also about honoring Johnny, the 4-year-old son of Dan and Laura Moran who has bravely battled an unknown neuromuscular condition since birth. “This is not for us; all of the proceeds are going to the four charities. My husband I have always wanted to do something to honor Johnny and the new world he has opened up for us,” said Laura Moran.

Last fall, Laura and her husband Dan Moran, and friends Dan and Kelly Clark, decided West Hartford needed a fun family race. They initially thought about starting a Turkey Trot but there wasn’t enough time to plan. Then, because they are all Irish, the idea of a St. Patrick’s Day Race seemed ideal.

We thought, “Why don’t we raise money for some great organizations and honor Johnny as well,” Dan Clark told me. As the group brainstormed, the idea turned into a fundraiser for several meaningful and deserving non-profits. The four charities – Camp Care, Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, and 3rd and Goal Foundation – were chosen as beneficiaries because they are all devoted to helping children.

The beneficiaries have gotten involved, too. Karen Connal, Development Director at Covenant Prep, told me that since their students attend school for free, they give back to their supporters through community service. Students will be volunteering at the event, and Covenant Prep’s film club will be filming it as well. Students have been saying a daily prayer for Johnny during his recent hospitalization. “They know they’re helping Johnny, even though this event is helping them, too,” said Connal.

“After just two months of planning, to be able to pull this off is awesome,” said Moran. She anticipates more than 200 participants. “We have already exceeded our goal, and we have some great corporate sponsors which have signed on even though we haven’t yet proven ourselves.”

Clark anticipates that the event will raise more than $15,000 due to the extreme generosity of both corporate and individual sponsors. “The has also been incredibly supportive,” said Clark, who praised Public Relations Specialist Renee McCue for all of her assistance.

Johnny’s Jog for Charity will begin at at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and is also available online at http://www.signmeup.com/74375. Runners, walkers and strollers are all welcome. Joan Dylan from Lite 100.5 will DJ the event, there will be a Bagpiper playing traditional Irish music, the Rock Cat’s mascot “Rocky” will be making an appearance, and prizes will be awarded for the best Irish garb. More information can be found on the organization’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/johnnysjogforcharity, or by emailing johnnysjogforcharity@gmail.com.

The first annual Johnny’s Jog for Charity is about raising money, but it’s also about bringing the community together for something that’s fun. “We are a family that loves our Irish heritage and loves to have fun. We want to provide an event where people enjoy themselves, get outside, exercise, and at the same time help people, too. And, we’ll have as much Irish green as possible,” said Moran.