In several places around the country, the traditional Thanksgiving Day “Turkey Trot” was followed up on Friday with a 5K run/walk to bring the OSA Foundation’s Paul A. Bonenfant Memorial Scholarship fundraising campaign “across the finish line.”
In Bedford, Mass., Kelly Skelton, son of Lightwave magazine staffer Kathleen Skelton, organized a 5K run to help raise the final dollars needed to fully endow the scholarship, while in Washington, D.C., Rebecca Andersen, of Pacific Bridge Marketing pulled together her PBM team to walk 5K through the nation’s capital. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, OSA Foundation staff also ran for the cause.
Less than $10,000 remains for the OSA Foundation to hit its target of $190,000 to fully endow the scholarship. Established in 2011 in memory of Paul Anthony Bonenfant, this need-based scholarship will enable undergraduate students enrolled in engineering or physical science programs to attend semester-abroad programs offered through their college or university.
In the Bedford 5K, the first to finish was Anthony Frederico with a 20:21 followed by Coltin Urro with a 22:25. Kelly Skelton came in third with Taylor O'Brien and Frank Urro.
After the run, Kelly said, "I appreciate my fellow runners today coming to help support such an important cause. Today we had Anthony Federico show up. Anthony is a senior and track and cross country runner from the town of Wilmington which is about a half hour from this run. We also had two friends from my sophomore class, Coltin Urro and Taylor O'Brien. Both Taylor and I are not runners! I am thankful that everyone ran and supported each other just to do some good for OSA. I hope this inspires others to support the scholarship program and help reach the goal this month!"
In Washington, the Pacific Bridge Marketing team consisted of Andresen, her family, and her business partner of myself (and family) and business partner, Jennifer Mewett and family.
Andersen said after, "I met Paul Bonenfant at the second trade show of my career. It was at WDM in Cannes and Paul was a highlighted speaker. Despite having such a key role in the conference, he took the time to meet the people 'working' the conference and expressed his thanks. Even years later at industry events, he would take the time to say hi and catch up. Paul's impact on the optics industry is still felt today and I am proud to be able to walk this morning to support his memory."
Mewett commented, "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad in High School and again in College. Taking classes and learning outside of the U.S. directly impacted my career and my life today. The Paul Bonenfant Memorial Scholarship will provide other students with the opportunity to study abroad. Our PBM team will continue to support the Scholarship for years to come."
Please consider making a donation today in support of the 5K. Email: [email protected] for additional information on the 5K and how to donate directly through The OSA Foundation.