Over 20 Andover students, faculty and staff displayed their non-sibi spirit last Sunday, partaking in the “Run for the Troops 5K.” The fundraiser raised over $40,000 this year, with over 2,200 participants joining the effort to build a house for war veteran Matthew Dewitt, according to Nancy Lang, Assistant Dean of Faculty and one of the event’s organizers.
The annual “Run for the Troops 5K” road race raises money for Homes for our Troops, a non-profit organization committed to aiding veterans of the United States Military who return home from battles with extensive disabilities or injuries. The organization focuses primarily on raising money and supplies to build homes that provide handicap accessibility for these injured servicemen and servicewomen, according to the organization’s website.
The event was made public throughout the Andover community by both Lang and Roy Dennehy, Custodian in the Office of Physical Plant. Lang, who is also the coach for the Andover Cross Country team, recruited cross country and track members to take part in the race.
“I am just so impressed by our students and how they are such great ambassadors for the school. I am impressed by how they carry themselves…and how they so naturally fall into these roles by just being friendly and helping people,” she continued.
This year’s benefactor, Dewitt, lost both of his forearms in 2003 while serving in Iraq. Dewitt’s family, as well as families of previous “Run for Troops 5K” benefactors, were present at the fundraising event.
“It’s not a fund going to an unknown family, and it is pretty special to connect with the person who you are actually raising money for,” said Lang.
Catherine Haseman ’14, who has participated in the road-race fundraiser every year since her arrival at Andover, said, “The cause is something I feel very passionate about, and what’s great about the race is that everyone there really cares about it, too.”
