STAMFORD – The idea of getting outdoors with other members of the community and celebrating the Earth, took off with the first Earth Day 5K Fun Run and Walk four years ago. It is an event that has continued to grow, drawing more than 120 participants of all ages last year. The race is followed by a morning filled with family-friendly, eco-friendly Earth Day activities.
There will be educational activities and local businesses are asked to do something special to celebrate Earth Day.
This year, the Stamford Business Alliance is offering a long list of sponsorship opportunities ranging from having a tree planted in your honor down to having your name or business printed on a reusable bag. The proceeds this year will go to the not-for -profit Friends of the Catskill Scenic Trails. The trails are a popular attraction for locals and visitors as a hiking, biking venue, and an ideal location for the one-mile fun run that precedes the 5K race. Snowmobilers also love it during the winter.
The "Friends" organization is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, enjoyment and promotion of the 26 miles of the Catskill Scenic Trail . They are passionate in advocating the trail's importance as a community asset, tourism destination and nature connection resource. They add that it is a source of pride for surrounding towns.
There is always someone walking, biking, horseback riding, running or hiking along the trail. In winter, it attracts cross country skiers and snowmobilers. It is used constantly all year long.
Heather Clark, an avid runner and a member of the SBA, is appealing to local businesses and individuals to help support the community by becoming a sponsor. "Sponsoring the Earth Day 5K is a powerful way to show your commitment to sustainability, wellness and local connection," she says.
All sponsors, starting at the $50 Friends all the way up to $1,000 Earth Champion sponsors will have their name printed on reusable Earth Day shopping bags.
A 5K fun run and a one mile fun walk will kick off Saturday, April 25. The walk steps off at 9 a.m. from behind the Stamford Library, while the run kicks off at 9:45 a.m. from the same location. There are various categories for racers to enter, with times recorded. Now is the time to sign up as a sponsor for this popular fun run and walk.
Sponsorships are available, as follows:
• $1,000 Earth Champion Sponsor - three trees planted in your honor, 10 complimentary race registrations, social media shout outs, recognition as a lead event support and the name of your business in honor of individuals printed on the reusable bags.
• $750 Wood Duck Conservation Sponsor - two wood duck nesting boxes built and maintained in your honor, four complimentary race registrations, recognition for supporting wetland conservation and wildlife protection, social media shoutout highlighting your environmental impact, a meaningful, tangible contribution that benefits local ecosystems long after race day and the name of your business in honor of an individual printed on the reusable bag.
• $500 Pollinator Partner Sponsor - a butterfly garden planted in your honor, four complimentary race registrations, social media shout-outs, supports local pollinator habitats and the name of your business in honor of an individual printed on the reusable bag.
• $250 Seed of Beauty Sponsor - four complimentary race registrations, four seed bombs, social media shout outs and the name of your business in honor of an individual printed on the reusable bag.
$150 Water Station Sponsor (Get the most visibility.) - Sponsor signage at water station, four complimentary race registrations, recycled paper cups provided, handout out water, cleanup and cheer runners on and the name of your business in honor of an individual printed on the reusable bag.
• $50 Friends of Earth Day 5K - The name of your business in honor of an individual printed on the reusable bag.
To become a sponsor or to register for the walk/run visit: https://stamfordearthday5kandfunrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15674