This year’s honorary co-chairs are Gov. Dannel Malloy and first lady Cathy Malloy.
The event is a collaboration of two 501(c)3 foundations, the Stamford Public Education Foundation and MarcUS for Change. All proceeds will support the foundation's nationally recognized mentoring initiatives and other MarcUS for Change collaborative partnerships in support of at-risk youth.
The 5K course is certified by USA Track & Field and will kick off the new US Day celebration.
“By establishing US Day, we’re building community-centered linkages that provide learning and empowerment opportunities for Stamford’s youth and their families,” said Rose McInerney, co-founder of MarcUS for Change.
This year’s US Day Collaborative is composed of eight local groups: MarcUS for Change, SPEF, the city of Stamford, Mill River Park Collaborative, Kids Helping Kids, the Mayor’s Multicultural Council of Stamford, Fleet Feet Sports and Chelsea Piers Athletic Club. US Day will offer a wide variety of festivities, such as a multicultural parade, international dance performances, inspirational speakers and food trucks, as well as family-centered entertainment.
More than 40 diverse organizations and businesses will be participating; all are focused on helping youths achieve healthy personal, academic, social and career-ready skills for success. Each child will receive a free US Day passport, which will help guide and encourage them to visit the various “zones” in the park.
The event also will feature special guest appearances by Stamford natives who are leading by example and working hard. Angelica Salem, a Pace University honors student who is pursuing a career as a singer, will perform onstage. Chordale Booker, a professional boxer who recently qualified for the Olympic Boxing Trials, also will share some time onstage as an inspirational speaker. 
Participants can pre-register online at www.MarcUSforChange5K.racewire.com. The pre-registration fee is $25; all participants receive a free Dri-Fit T-shirt commemorating the day. The Stamford school with the most affiliated participants will win the Spirit Award and receive $1,000, as well as an additional $200 that can be donated to their organization of choice.
Top-tier sponsors this year include BMO Capital Market, PwC, The Stamford Museum & Nature Center, The Canida Family and First County Bank.
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