After meeting new Hillsborough resident Erin Morris and hearing about her plans to bring a GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center to Hillsborough, Gregg and Jennifer Wilke of HRC Fitness were inspired to help.
They’ll sponsor a 5-kilometer walk and run Sunday, Oct. 12, at HRC Fitness at 30 Brower Lane (formerly 345 Amwell Road). The flat course is USA Track & Field-certified and takes runners through the autumn scenery of multiple neighborhoods of Hillsborough.
Open registration starts at 8 a.m. with the 5K run at 9 and the 1-mile walk at 9:15. The Dash for Down Syndrome is at 11.
GiGi’s Playhouse, which has 17 locations nationally and abroad, offers 30 educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families. Programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential. Their literacy program teaches thousands of kids with Down syndrome to read every year.
Awards will be given for the 5K race to the overall male and female first-placers and first, second and third places in age categories. In addition, GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough will host the Dash for Down Syndrome for kids.
"The GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough team is so excited to have the support of HRC Fitness and to be the 2014 beneficiaries of this fantastic event," Ms. Morris said. "With all of the hard work that the HRC Fitness team has put into this event, it is sure to be a huge success, and the GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough team is looking forward to being a part of it."
In addition, HRC Fitness will host a fall festival that day from 1 to 6 p.m. where there will be food, drinks and entertainment, including music, bounce houses, games and giveaways.
Since taking over the ownership and general management of HRC Fitness in 2012, the Wilkes have been supporting local organizations, such as Hillsborough High School Football, Jr. Raiders, Boro Lax, Hillsborough Soccer Club, Competition Cheer and others.
