The Kennedy Center event raises $25K - Westfair Communications

At The Kennedy Center”™s event, from left: Elaine Schwartz and her husband, Martin D. Schwartz; state Sen. Tony Hwang flanked by unidentified princesses; and Pietro Andres and his wife, Kristine.

They”™ve tallied the results of the Third Annual Kennedy Center Autism SpectRUN held Sept. 10 at Jennings Beach in Fairfield. The event attracted more than 300 participants and it raised $25,000 for The Kennedy Center”™s Autism Project.

The festivities kicked off with two noncompetitive children”™s races.

The 5K Timed Race and 1 Mile Walk/ Stroll attracted contestants of all ages and stamina. For the timed race, Anthony Bruno of Oxford was the top male winner, while Rebecca Blanchard of Stamford was the top female and overall race winner.

“This major fundraiser benefits the Autism Project, a vital program for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and their families,” said Martin D. Schwartz, president and CEO of The Kennedy Center. “We are able to provide these services because of the community”™s generosity. We received overwhelming support from participants all over Fairfield and New Haven counties.”