Photo caption (left to right): Gretchen Gandini, WOW Trail Board Member, 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 the photo sponsor for the 4th annual Runaway Pumpkin 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk. The event will be held this Saturday morning, October 13th at 9 AM, with both courses beginning on North Main Street in Laconia 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 incredibly grateful to MVSB, who have championed our efforts since the beginning,” said Gretchen Gandini, WOW Trail Board member. “The bank has been generous and supportive of both the WOW Trail and Children’s Auction over the span of decades. We’re thankful for their dedication to the wellbeing of our community.”
“This event speaks to the strength and character of our local community. Employees from one valued non-profit have organized an event to assist two other non-profits. All three provide great value to our community,” said Rick Wyman, President of Meredith Village Savings Bank. “By working with local businesses, such as MVSB, they are able to raise significant funding while offering our community a healthy, fun and memorable event. Ultimately this event promotes health in our community in many ways – both directly and through the many organizations and families who will be served by the WOW Trail and Children’s Auction. We are thrilled to be able to support those efforts.”
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. Well-used by runners, walkers and bikers, the trail spans from Elm Street in Lakeport to downtown Laconia and then on to the Belmont town line where it meets with the town’s Winnisquam Scenic Trail, creating 4.25 miles of continuous trail between Lakeport and Belmont Osborne’s Agway. 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 $5 million dollars to support local charities through volunteer efforts, community donations and corporate sponsorships. For more information, visit childrensauction.com.
