Photo caption (left to right): Gretchen Gandini, Executive Director, WOW Trail, Eric Petell, Assistant Vice President and Branch and Business Development Manager of the MVSB Laconia Office and Jennifer Beetle, Runaway Pumpkin 10k/5k Event Director and WOW Trail Board Member.
Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) will be this year’s photo sponsor for the 3rd annual Runaway Pumpkin 10K and 5K Run/Walk. The event will be held Saturday morning, October 14th at 9 AM, with both courses beginning on North Main Street in Laconia (Rt. 106) near the Smith Track at Opechee Park.
A community fundraising effort led by the employees of the Laconia Clinic, the Runaway Pumpkin benefits the WOW Trail and the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction. “We are very grateful to MVSB for sponsoring the Runaway Pumpkin again,” said Gretchen Gandini, Executive Director of the WOW Trail. “The bank has been incredibly generous and supportive of both the WOW Trail and Children’s Auction over the years and we’re thankful for their dedication to the wellbeing of our community.”
“We’re honored to continue supporting the Runaway Pumpkin on behalf of the WOW Trail and Children’s Auction,” said Rick Wyman, President of Meredith Village Savings Bank. “Both organizations have done incredible work for the community. The WOW Trail improves the quality of life for local citizens and contributes to the economic vitality of the Lakes Region. We’ve also been proud supporters of the Children’s Auction since its inception more than 35 years ago. I continue to be amazed by the Auction’s extraordinary fundraising efforts for such worthy organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Lakes Region Child Care Services, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and many others dedicated to helping children and families in the area.”
The WOW Trail is a paved, 10 foot wide, multi-use pathway built within the railroad right-of-way in the City of Laconia. Its mission is to promote, design, build and maintain a nine-mile recreational path through the city as part of the regional trail network that will eventually connect Meredith to Franklin. Currently 2.5 miles long, the trail is well-used by runners, walkers and bikers, travelling from Elm Street in Lakeport to the Belmont Town Line and connecting to the new 1.7 mile Winnisquam Scenic Trail. For more information, visit wowtrail.org.
Founded in 1982, the Greater Lakes Region Charitable Auction helps local children and families in need. A spirit-filled fundraiser and holiday tradition, the Children’s Auction has raised more than $4.5 million dollars to support local charities through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorships. For more information, visit childrensauction.com.
