The greater Downingtown community is pulling together to hold a benefit 5K/community fair to help the family of beloved Bradford Heights Elementary School principal Dr. Michael Solon, who died suddenly last fall.
DOWNINGTOWN — The sudden death last fall of a beloved elementary school principal was a blow to the community, and now that community is pulling together to hold a special event in May to help his wife and children.
Dr. Michael Solon was the principal at Bradford Heights Elementary School in the Downingtown Area School District for nine years prior to his untimely and unexpected passing in September, 2014.
Over the past several months, the Bradford Heights Home and School Association in coordination with teachers, school and district administrators, parents, the Stonegate Home Owners Association, West Bradford Township and the Chester County Running Store have been working together to organize a thoughtful event that can remember the school’s respected leader, while supporting his family.
Dr. Solon’s wife, Heather Barcio-Solon, and their five children continue to deal with the challenge of living without their husband and father, as the youngest child is in kindergarten and his oldest will graduate from college in May.
Organizers say that the family could use the help of the community now … and they are quite appreciative that on Sunday, May 17 a 5K and Family Walk titled, Running and Strollin’ for Dr. Solon, will be held at Bradford Heights Elementary School starting at 2 p.m with a community fair to follow including food, drink and kids games from 3-5 p.m.
All of the proceeds from the afternoon, minus event expenses, will go to the 5K Memorial Fund which has been established to benefit Dr. Solon’s wife and their five children. This is a chance to lift up the family of a man who lifted so many.
Event registration can be accessed online by visiting www.runCCRS.com. Here you will find the registration details for the 5K, Family Walk, and Kid’s 1-mile, along with the full event schedule. Modest pricing for the event has been established, with discounts available until April 15. The first 600 participants to register are guaranteed a t-shirt on race day.
This event is also a great sponsorship opportunity for companies, local organizations and families. To learn more about the sponsorships available, contact Lori Grier at lorigrier@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 17 promises to be a very special day. Bradford Heights Elementary school and all community members have the opportunity to honor Dr. Solon and provide needed financial and emotional support for his family, his true legacy.
For additional information and event updates, visit www.facebook.com/runningandstrollin.
