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Annual Fun Fall Frolic raises funds for Boys & Girls Club

By Amy DeMien - For The Telegraph | Oct 2, 2018

Photo by Amy DeMien Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua members celebrate winning best overall running score at the Fun Fall Frolic this weekend in Manchester.

MANCHESTER – Autumn was in the air this weekend, when runners of all ages took part in the 5th Annual Fun Fall Frolic at Veterans Park in Manchester. The race organized by Cross Insurance to support Boys & Girls Clubs throughout New Hampshire, including Greater Nashua.

Participants enjoyed a Fun Fall Kids Festival before the event, which featured live music, face painting, fire trucks, food and seasonally themed activities. They also received post-race treats, such as a Halloween-themed snack bag, pizza and a Fun Fall Frolic shirt designed by Boys & Girls Club of Manchester member Kristy Lature, who took home $250 for her selected design.

Cross Insurance’s Executive and Event Director Talitha Franggos said, “We know that he Boys & Girls Clubs provide a triple benefit in the community: Children have a nurturing place to go after school, families have professional assistance in mentoring their children, and employers have a community resource to support their employees. We are very happy to be able to support them in this way.”

In addition to raising money for Boys & Girls Club programs, Cross Insurance along with other sponsors who contributed to the event ensured club members from all nine of the Boys & Girls Clubs across New Hampshire were able to compete for free. Hundreds of members ages 8 to 18 came out to participate, eager to join their family and friends in a fun-filled day of physical activity and to give back to an organization that’s made a lasting impact in their lives.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua member Oxygene Manirambona, who came in first place in his age group and overall at this year’s Fun Fall Frolic said, “It feels great being able to help give kids the opportunities I have like being able to play basketball at the club. To train and encourage others out here today to train, I would run with the 8- to 12-year-old Clubhouse kids to get them motivated. Now we’re here, and we’re ready.”

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Derry Member and Youth of the Year Katie Stupp commented, “This is my third year doing this, and it’s always a lot of fun. I’ve been a club member since I was 8, and it’s given me so many opportunities. I love this place and feel good giving back to it.”

Showing up to support the young competitors were parents who felt especially appreciative of the impact the Boys & Girls Club has had on their child’s life as well as club staff members who serve as mentors to the kids who participate in the organization’s leadership, academic and healthy living programs.

“We have about 60 kids out here today,” said Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua’s Athletic Director Tim Davidian. “It’s a great way to encourage them to exercise and be healthy while also supporting the club. I’m really proud of everyone who’s come out to participate.”

After the race, winners were announced on stage during the closing ceremony. Coming in first place overall was Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua member Oxygene Manirambona. Armand Prescott of the Boys & Girls Club Souhegan Valley came in second, Gabrielle Cadete of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua came in third and Ethan Farbust of Greater Derry came in fourth. The club to win the highest total running score was the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua.

The Fun Fall Frolic is one of two events where Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state can come together for a single event and support the work being done within each organization to further a common mission.

“We so glad to part of this collaboration between clubs,” said Boys & Girls Club of Manchester CEO Dianne Fitzpatrick. “This event brings families together and also brings awareness of our mission to serve the kids who need us most.”

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua CEO Norm Bouthilette commented, “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring all the clubs in the state together and work as a team to support healthy lifestyles. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without the commitment of all the community businesses who believe in our mission.”

Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Boys & Girls Club healthy living programs such as athletic and drug prevention programs as well as to provide educational scholarships.

“We know prevention programs work and save lives of the children we see daily,” said Rich Lowney, president of the New Hampshire Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. “Without Cross Insurance’s leadership support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Because of the early funding provided by this race, we have secured additional financial support from both the state and federal sectors and are increasing our efforts.”

To date, more than $40,000 was raised through the Fun Fall Frolic to be distributed among the each of the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Hampshire.

“This event has been essential over the past five years for implementing prevention programs and encouraging healthy lifestyles,” Lowney said. “We are grateful to everyone who came out today to support our organization and are committed to serving our community’s youth and families.”

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