5K Benefit Race Honors Sara Krolikowski

The Fourth Annual Sara Krolikowski Memorial 5K will be held to benefit emerging adult programming of Join Rise Be through Advocacy Unlimited.

The benefit event will be held on August 24, 2019 in New Britain’s Walnut Hill Park. On site registration begins at 7:00am and the race begins at 8:15am.

The race honors the life of Sara Krolikowski. Event organizers, say that,

Sara was an amazing person, a humble servant, a beautiful spirit, a loving friend. She was someone who always stood with a smile on her face despite what went on around her, and who was admired by many. Sara never hesitated to lend a hand in anything she could, and was always involved in a variety of things that would allow her to give back others. She always lit up a room with her presence, and where Sara was, that is definitely where everyone wanted to be. Her laugh was contagious, her motivation and drive to succeed unstoppable. She was a softball player beyond comparison, and her encouragement of others both on and off the field is missed dearly by everyone who ever got a chance to meet her.

“So many of you in New Britain knew and loved my Goddaughter Sara,” said former New Britain Chief of Police James Wardwell. “Sara was a regular visitor in my office at the NBPD. No smile can ever compare to hers. I miss her so much. Join us on August 24 in Walnut Hill Park as we remember Sara and raise money for such a terrific LOCAL cause – Advocacy Unlimited – a calling Sara loved.”

Organizers says that funds raised from the event will, “go to supporting emerging adult programming for Join Rise Be through Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.,” adding,

Join Rise Be is a peer-run initiative dedicated to making the opportunity of recovery available to every young person across the state of Connecticut. We do so by sharing our experiences to influence change at the local, regional, and state levels. We also connect with our peers and community partners to reduce discrimination against young people. In addition, we cultivate the belief that recovery is possible and we all have the capacity to achieve success.

There is $20 pre-registration fee. The fee for registering on the day of the event is $25. There is an online registration website for the event.

Organizers say that the event will have, “Awards to the overall winners and the top age group winners.”

Advocacy Unlimited says that it,

promotes the civil and human rights of people affected by psychiatry, addiction and trauma. Over the past 20 years, we have remained innovative as we’ve grown from a small mental health rights initiative into a nationally-recognized non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy and support through non-clinical and holistic engagement.

Editor’s note (8/19/2019): The article was updated to include additional information and Chief Wardwell’s comments.