If Mikey's Place, as envisioned, was going to be built, sufficient funds would have to be raised. These funds would cover the cost of the administration, planning, organizing, the actual equipment, other advisory and technical services, and the perpetual maintenance of the playscape. Mikey's family knew that just putting the playscape in the ground would not be enough. Knowing that the expenditures of taxpayers money for ongoing maintenance of Mikey's Place could not be relied upon, the Daversa's decided to create a fund for its long-term maintenance too. Among the creative approaches devised to build that fund was the "Mikey's Place 5K Run and Walk Road Race," first in October, 1999, and then in this October, y2k, also.

They were granted the use of not only the Francis Street's Hanmer School auditorium for registration, but also used the west central portion of Standish Park (fronting Garden Street) for the gathering of the runners, joggers, walkers, and riders (e.g. wheelchair entrants).

"At the Start/Finish Line" on Garden Street, a few early runners warm up to the task of running the annual 5K road race for Mikey's place. Compared to the preceding day, this day was cool and mildly windy, just right for a brisk jaunt.
(The "back" side of the sign, the part that the starting runners would see, said START.)

"With seconds to go, the runners and walkers are closely huddled just behind the starting line and sign. As the second hand approached the hour, spectators and photographers hurry to get clear of the road as the starting gun is raised, all set to GO!

At the sound of the gun, they are off! Those committed and able to set a personal, competitive record were off, FAST! The hares were followed by those who chose to complete the course at a pace they would comfortably handle.....

Winning was not everything according to most of those in this 5k Run and Walk. Some just enjoyed the companionship of others as they walked and strolled along. Others enjoyed the beautiful day and the opportunity to contribute a little something more to the building of Mikey's Place, and to burn off a few hundred extra calories at the same time. Note: for the results of the 2001 race, go to the Pg.20 link below. Michael Keenan (29) won the trophy for overall first place.

"The overall WINNER of Mikey's 5K Road Race, 2000, Tom Hixon of West Hartford (31M, time: 16:38) is presented his trophy by Mary Daversa. Not pictured was the overall women's winner, Heather Porch. (28F, time: 17:46). Platt Systems recorded the times and participants. See the reference section (Pg.20) for links to Mikey's Place 5K Road Race for the official, full listing of finishers for both 1999 and 2000. On Pg.20, there is an application form for THIS year's 5K Walk/Run; join in !

Barbara Bellas, friend of the Daversa's and the organizer of the race, won second place in the women's division. Nice going, Barbara!

"Grandma Daversa is presented her trophy by daughter-in-law, Mary. No, she did not run; but, she DID finish and enjoyed every step along the way. The course began at the start on north Garden Street, south to the Broad Street Green; twice around the Green, and back north up Garden Street to the finish!

"Alan Sekas wins his division at the 5K Mikey's Place road race. Alan jokes that he was only on his way to Stop & Shop and was just swept up in the throng. He admits, however, to taking the long and leisurely way (via Anderson Farms on the Green) before finishing.

"To the winners, the laurels" and the trophies, for the runners, walkers and riders.
To each and every person who participated, the best prize was the personal satisfaction that they too did something to help build and maintain Mikey's Place for years to come!