WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday’s meeting, the Wilmington Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the request of Teresa Castellano to conduct the 2nd Annual Tony A 5K, beginning and ending at the Town Common, on Saturday, October 8 at 9am.
The race honors Tony Alonardo, a popular 25-year Wilmington resident and longtime volunteer with the Wilmington Youth Hockey program, who passed away in April 2015 at the age of 48.
Funds raised from the road race will benefit the Tony Alonardo Fund, which provides (1) financial assistance towards his two daughters’ college expenses and (2) annual scholarships for Wilmington students.
Castellano noted that three scholarships will be given out to students next month after the first annual Tony A 5K, held last October, raised approximately $12,000.
“Thank you for taking this on,” Selectwoman Judy O’Connell told Castellano. “Tony A meant so much to so many” and “was a valued member of the community.”
“This has become a great tribute to Tony,” added Selectman Kevin Caira. “It’s great to keep his memory alive.”
“[The Tony A 5K] is what Wilmington is all about — the town coming together for a great cause,” observed Selectman Greg Bendel.
A Cautionary Note
While Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis and Town Manager Jeff Hull both gave favorable recommendations for this particular event, Hull did note that the number of 5K requests in Wilmington has increased over the years and the town must be mindful of the costs that are associated with the police personnel needed to cover the routes.
“We want to make the board aware that, at some point and time, we may have to [re]consider the number of 5K walks and runs [we approve], unless we increase the budget to support these events,” Hull told the Selectmen.
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