4th Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run For Education is Saturday

The Bresnahan Family & Friends and the Ayer Education Foundation encourage families to participate and attend the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education http://www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com/. The family-fun event will be held this Saturday, May 10th, at Ayer Middle/High School. All proceeds from this landmark community event will go to the Ayer Education Foundation, the local non-profit that raises money to support educational excellence at Ayer Public Schools.
“The AEF and the Janis Bresnahan run have become an incredibly important part of the fabric of the Ayer school community,” said George Frost, Superintendent, Ayer Public Schools. “The race is truly an event of community significance, and the funds raised allow AEF to offer teacher grants which enhance the educational experiences of our children.”
“We are very excited about the 4th annual run. The event has been a great success both in bringing the community and Janis's friends and family together, and it has managed to raise an amazing $100,000 for the Ayer Education Foundation in its first three years,” said Ben Bresnahan.” This year we made some changes to the format, taking the run from a 5-mile to a 5K and the walk from 3 miles to 2 miles, based on feedback and in the hopes of increasing participation. Thank you to everyone for making this such a great success in memory of our sister Janis.”
The annual run for education is in memory of Janis Bresnahan. Janis was born on May 15, 1971, and spent most of her life growing up in the town of Ayer and graduated from Ayer High School in 1989. Janis was an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed running, cycling and boating. She was co-captain of the Ayer High School women's track team in her senior year, and then went on to dedicate her life and work to the education of children.
“We are honored to be part of the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education. The Bresnahan Family & Friends are truly an inspiration for us, and AEF is so grateful to be the recipients of funds raised from the run,” noted Sheila Kelly, Co-President, Ayer Education Foundation. “This event has become an important town-wide event that not only remembers Janis Bresnahan and all that she contributed to education and children, but it serves as a reminder of how people can pull together for the greater good of our school district and all the children in our town.”
The Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education will feature a competitive 5K run throughout the picturesque town of Ayer, as well as a 2-mile, non-competitive walk and a fun-filled Tot Trot for children up to age 6.

Janis Bresnahan May 10, 2008 Race Day Events at A Glance
· Registration 8:30 a.m. Ayer Middle/High School Cafeteria
· Tot Trot 9:15 a.m. Ayer Middle/High School Track Infield
· 5K Run 10:00 a.m. Starts/ends at Ayer Middle/High School
· 2 Mile Walk 10:05 a.m. Starts/ends at Ayer Middle/High School

Calling All Tots Ages 1 to 6 Years
Children will enjoy a fun morning of Tot Trot running and free activities including an obstacle course, Lego table, balloons, face painting, craft creations and games. All registered children will receive a road race ribbon and T-shirt for their participation and they may also participate in the 2-mile walk, at no additional fee. Winners of the Tot Trot race will receive a special “necklace medal.” Volunteer opportunities are available and appreciated for the Tot Trot. Contact Betsy at 978-448-3448 or elizdolan@gmail.com.

How to Register for Events
Race day registration is $10 for the Tot Trot and $20 for the Run/Walk.
Online registration is available at www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com.

Amenities and Prizes
The race will include course mile markers, water stations and medical personnel. The course is certified and the 5K run will be professionally timed. Refreshments and restrooms will be available at Ayer Middle/High School. Prizes of $100 each will go to the first place male and female overall finishers for the 5K run. Prizes will also be given out to the top finishers in all age categories.

Official Sponsors of Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education
Premier Sponsor: North Middlesex Savings Bank (www.nmsb.com)
Platinum Sponsors: Anderson Family Funeral Homes; The Berry Family; Drake Management LLC; Gervais Ford; KBACE Technologies; Lexington Insurance Company; Tony and Joyce McGuane – Tim and Mary Vallely; Nashoba Paving Company; Nashoba Valley Medical Center; John & Katie Ragan, Tim & Deana & Marypaula; Dick Rakip.
Gold Sponsors: Ayer Oil Company; Barnraisers, Inc. Design Services; Bull Run Restaurant; G.V. Moore Lumber Company; Headquarters Hair Salon; J.C. Madigan, Inc.; JP Routhier & Sons, Inc.; Nashoba Club Pizza Restaurant Club; Piccolino’s Food & Spirits; Sheldon & Sullivan, Attorneys at Law; Sports & Physical Therapy Associates.

How to Make a Donation to Support Local Public Education
Individuals or businesses interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Fourth Annual Janis Bresnahan 5K Run for Education may do so online via a secure credit card transaction at http://www.janisbresnahanforeducation.com/. Make checks payable to “Ayer Education Foundation” and mail to: Sally Sloan, 4 Standish Ave., Ayer, MA 01432. Individuals are encouraged to check with their employers regarding matching gift programs as many companies will match, dollar for dollar, a charitable contribution made by an employee and thereby double the amount of the donation.

The Ayer Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported by donations from individuals, businesses and organizations committed to improving the quality of education in Ayer Public Schools. Through a granting process, the Foundation disperses tax-deductible donations to create specific new programs and professional training aimed at enriching the education of the 1,300 students attending Page Hilltop School and Ayer Middle/High School.