Renee chats with Denise's husband Wayne about The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation. Inviting people of all ages to join its first fundraising “Walk to Cure Rare Diseases” in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor.
THE DENISE D’ASCENZO FOUNDATION’S “WALK TO CURE RARE DISEASES”
Register Online to Walk on Saturday, April 30th at 10 a.m.
BRANFORD, CONN., April 6, 2022 – The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation invites people of all ages to join its first fundraising “Walk to Cure Rare Diseases” in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor. The two-mile health walk will step off on Saturday, April 30th at 10 a.m. on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus in Hamden, Conn., with part of the proceeds to be donated to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
The flat walk course winds through the picturesque Quinnipiac University campus, beginning and ending at the school’s recreation center. This event will offer something for the entire family. Participants and spectators will enjoy food and beverages. Numerous kids’ activities including carnival games, balloon animals, bubbles, and magic will start at 9 a.m. and can be enjoyed throughout the event. WFSB Channel 3’s Kara Sundlun and WTNH-TV 8’s Dennis House will emcee the event.
“We are excited to host this inaugural event in honor of Denise’s legacy as Connecticut’s longest-serving news anchor, broadcasting on Channel 3 for over 33 years and, just as importantly, as a wonderful human being,” explains Wayne Cooke, Denise’s husband and the Executive Director of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation. “We selected the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) to receive part of funds raised in order to continue to spread the kindness she showed to others, especially those facing life’s challenges.” NORD’s mission is to the identify, treat, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services.
Register to walk in-person or virtually. Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends and associates or donate to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation which will donate part of the event’s proceeds to NORD. Awards will be presented to top fundraisers. Email jody@jbsports.com to learn more about fundraising.
Sign up now to register, sponsor, donate or raise funds for the April 30th event. To register and get full information, go to www.thedenisefoundation.com.
Event sponsors include: Bangladesh Bhaban Center; Estate Solutions; Goodco Painting; Hilltop Gallery; Kaplan Enterprises Builders and Developers; Marino, Zabel and Schellenberg; NFW Associates; Premier Auto Group, Thimble Island Brewing Company, and Philip Quinn – Medium and Life Coach.
JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race and the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race, organizes the event. For more information about the walk, go to www.jbsports.com or call 203-481-5933.
The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to continue Denise’s legacy of love and kindness by supporting advances in medicine and health, women’s and children’s issues, and journalism studies. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since then, the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation has raised funds for community donations, including Hartford Hospital workers in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare as part of Connecticut’s Millions of Meals campaign, and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children & Families in Windsor, among others. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.thedenisefoundation.com.
Photo: Renee