United Way of Western’s Connecticut’s popular King of the Hill Road Race will be held virtually again this year, to ensure the safety of the participants. Participants can walk, jog, or run a 5K distance any time between Wednesday, October 3 and Sunday, October 9, 2021. Funds raised through the event will benefit families who work hard but struggle to make ends meet in Greater Danbury, Greater New Milford, and Stamford.
“The virtual format didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of participants last year, and we don’t expect it to this year,” said Stacy Schulman, United Way’s Director of Corporate Engagement. “The corporate teams and individual runners are registering and are as excited as always. It’s a fun and meaningful way to bond with coworkers, family and friends.”
Proceeds from the race will benefit people who work hard but struggle to pay their bills, a population United Way calls ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the struggles of these workers to the forefront. Warehouse workers, truck drivers, grocery store clerks, home health aides, and child care workers have all put their lives on the line to make sure we had what we needed during a pandemic. Now it’s time to give back to them. King of the Hill is a great way to support these families while having fun.
Race proceeds will provide struggling families with healthy food, affordable child care, and more stable household finances. United Way of Western Connecticut has helped those families in the following ways:
- 680+ households have received $10 in free, fresh produce each week through the Healthy Savings Program. $120,000+ in fresh produce has been provided since 2017.
- 3,400+ households have received free food boxes through distributions in August 2021.
- 2,700+ children have received more affordable early child care and after-school care in 2020-21.
- 1,000+ children have enjoyed enrichment activities, like swimming, soccer, and robotics since 2017, with the cost covered at up to $300 per activity.
- 1,500+ low-income households have their taxes prepared for free, receiving $2.9 million in federal tax refunds.
“King of the Hill is one of our most popular events,” said Isabel Almeida, President of United Way of Western Connecticut. “Participants love it because it’s about fun and fitness, and they have a chance to make a difference in the lives of people who struggle financially. We’re grateful for their participation in this fundraiser.”
If your company has never been involved in King of the Hill, it’s a great way to build teamwork and promote exercise among your employees, while showing that your company cares about those in need in our communities. Contact Stacy Schulman at stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org or 203-826-8479 for more information.
As in past years, runners can register as part of teams or as individual runners. The cost to register for the race is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
Through the registration website, runners are encouraged to set up personal fund raisers that they can share via email and social media. To register for the race, go to runsignup.com/Race/CT/Bethel/KingoftheHill5K. For more information and specific instructions for registering and setting up teams, go to www.uwwesternct.org/kingofthehill or contact Stacy Schulman at stacy.schulman@uwwesternct.org or
203-826-8479.
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