By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Family, friends and supporters gathered on a seasonably brisk and bright Oct. 5 morning for the eighth annual Miles and Smiles for Michaella, based at the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959 Pavilion. The two-mile walk is held with other activities in memory of Michaella Walsh Libby, a Hudson High School 2010 alum.
She passed away at age 20 in 2012 while a sophomore majoring in public health at the University of Maryland. There, she tutored inner-city children with Kids Power in Washington, D.C., and raised funds for the university’s chapter of Students Helping Honduras.
Her flair for fashion and fondness for the color pink inspired the event’s fun highlights. Several male and female runners donning stilettos good-naturedly competed in a 50-yard, high heel dash. A prize is awarded to the event participant wearing the pinkest outfit.
New this year, the two-mile walkers tossed flowers from the bridge at Wood Park into the Assabet River in memory of Michaella and other lost loved ones. The event concluded with lunch provided by Stevie’s Back Road Café & Catering.
Proceeds go to the Michaella Walsh Libby Foundation. In the past year, the foundation awarded two scholarships, donated to Students Helping Honduras, and contributed financial assistance for funeral expenses to five local families who have lost children.
For information about the foundation, visit michaellawalshlibby.com.
photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.