Oxford Family Thanks 'Superheros' for Support

The second gathering of Superheroes took place at Colonial Tavern on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. The theme of the day was Batman but many of his Superhero friends were spotted: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda, and Superman to name a few. Although some were very noticeable in their outfits, everyone in attendance is a Superhero!

For best costume the honor and the prize went to Caleidgh Bayer as Princess Merida from the movie Brave.

Once again the Ryan’s Superhero Race was a huge success. Over 310 people attended the race which is held to remember and honor Ryan VerNooy; as well as raise money for Ryan’s favorite charity, The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp (a camp for kids with debilitating diseases). A spirit of coming together, generosity and determination (to conquer the hills maybe?) filled the grounds. Attendees were treated to a pre or post race stretching/massage by Middlebury Chiropractic; they could meet volunteers from Hole In The Wall, have a chat with representatives from Naugatuck Savings Bank and go home with many goodies from Energizer/Schick/Bic. A great big Thank You to all our sponsors!

Congratulations to all the runners for completing the course; especially Michael Perkowski and Kelly Mullen; top male and female finishers. Great Job to our walkers as well! We hope everyone enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Letter from VerNooy Family:

“It doesn't take super powers to be a super hero” is the theme of the Ryan’s Superhero 5K Race and that is so very true. The kindness, generosity, care and support that is so freely given by everyone involved in  this event has truly touched our hearts and helped us to move forward in a very difficult time. We consider ourselves so blessed to have such good people in our lives; including the organizers, the volunteers, the troopers, the fire/ambulance members, the runners/walkers, those who came to cheer and the sponsors who made it all possible. Our family considers all of you Superheroes and we send you a great big THANK YOU!

The Superhero 5K Race is a wonderful way to continue to remember and celebrate our son Ryan and we know he’d be so proud that his favorite charity, Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, will receive a generous donation in his honor. The fact that we can honor Ryan and help kids with debilitating diseases makes it a win-win. Thank you so much to each and every one of you – it means more than words can express.

We would especially like to recognize the team that leads us; Amy Hagstrom, Jessica Hagstrom, Ryan Andrew and Stephanie Gagliardi – they, and all those who planned, attended meetings, donated and gave of their time – are amazing. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Special Thanks to Colonial Tavern for allowing us to begin and end there. 

With sincere gratitude,

Nancy, Dave, Jason & Stephanie VerNooy