Newport, RI – On October 13, 2024, Joe Belanger of Rumford, RI, completed the 15th Annual Amica Newport Half Marathon in Newport, RI. This was Belanger’s 4th race on behalf of Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which grants life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses.
Belanger was the very last runner to cross the starting line, with a goal of passing as many runners as possible, symbolizing the obstacles that wish children overcome during their medical journeys. Along the 13.1 mile course, Belanger passed an impressive 2,500 runners, finishing the race 37th overall and 4th in his age division.
For each runner Belanger passed, the Integlia Family Foundation of Providence, RI, donated $1 to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, bringing Belanger’s total fundraising contribution to over $5,000.
Belanger has long supported the local charity, running on Team Make-A-Wish for the Boston Marathon, the Providence Marathon, and the ASICS Falmouth Road Race. Through his race fundraising, Belanger has raised over $25,000 to help grant wishes for children in his home state of Rhode Island.
An art teacher in Warwick Public Schools, Belanger has hosted art parties, teaching and guiding members of the Wish Community, the organization’s alumni network.
Michael Vieira, Rhode Island Regional Director for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, said, “The funds raised through Joe’s impressive Newport run and the creatively unique contribution of the Integlia Family Foundation will help us grant incredible and necessary wishes for Rhode Island children who deserve the hope and joy that a wish provides.”
To learn more about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, visit www.massri.wish.org
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