Gándara Center’s Frozen Yogurt 5K Raises More Than $20,000 for Playground

NORTHAMPTON — More than 200 runners and walkers gathered in downtown Northampton on Aug. 26 for the Gándara Center’s fourth annual Frozen Yogurt 5K Run/Walk. The event raised more than $20,000 to build a universally accessible playground at Gándara’s Mooreland residential group home for children up to age 12.

“We’re still accepting donations for this incredibly worthy cause,” said Lisa Brecher, director of Communications and Development at the Gándara Center. “This playground will provide the youngest individuals we serve with some joy during an incredibly stressful time in their lives. Giving these children a safe and fun outlet in their backyard will help provide a positive light to their stay.”

This year’s medal winners by category included: men 13-54, Michael Giles (19:03); women 13-54, Laura Christof (20:35); boys 12 and under, Teddy Cyr (21:32); girls 12 and under, Sabrina Hopkins (28:17); men 55 and over, Alan Hunt (25:15); and women 55 and over, Candace Curran (27:48).