THE SECOND Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K was a huge success last year, raising over $80,000 in charitable donations, scholarships and registration fees for Mustard Seed Communities, The Haven Project and the Ryan Shaw ‘15 Entrepreneurial Program. The third annual Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K will take place at DCR Artesani Park on Saturday, April 20 with race time starting at 12 p.m. (www.ryanshaw5k.org).
Published in the March 7, 2019 edition.
BOSTON — The third annual Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run is being held on Saturday, April 20 along the Charles River at Boston’s DCR Artesani Park in remembrance of Northeastern University student Ryan Scott Shaw. Registration starts at 10:15 a.m. while the race begins at 12 p.m.
Ryan passed away at the age of 18 in 2016 shortly after being diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Ryan, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, attended St. John’s Prep in Danvers where he excelled academically, becoming an award-winning painter and successful entrepreneur.
Prior to high school, Ryan attended Saint Joseph School in Wakefield and was an active athlete in the community, playing Wakefield travel soccer, little league baseball and basketball. Ryan spent his first semester at Northeastern University studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland before returning to Boston for his freshman spring semester.
Ryan possessed the ability to get the most out of his friends and peers through his unique combination of charisma, sense of humor, and natural drive for success.
All proceeds from the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run will benefit Mustard Seed Communities (MSC), The Haven Project, and The Ryan Shaw ‘15 Entrepreneurial Program.
MSC is an international nonprofit organization that provides aid to impoverished and vulnerable communities at their facilities in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Zimbabwe. MSC is dedicated to the residential care of children and adults with a range of developmental and physical disabilities including down syndrome, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. Ryan developed a passion for MSC’s work while attending a high school service trip with MSC to Montego Bay, Jamaica, during which he aided in residential service projects and provided educational mentoring to children.
The Haven Project was established in late 2011 to provide services for homeless young adults in the surrounding areas north of Boston. The Haven Project’s mission is to equip and empower homeless young adults between the ages of 17-24 with the skills and support they need to reach their potential. Based out of Lynn, MA, The Haven Project operates a drop-in center that offers underprivileged young adults social coaching, life skills classes, and growth opportunities in employment, education, housing, and the community. The Haven Project has remained a preferred charitable organization of the Shaw Family for its work with young adults close in age to Ryan, and its ultimate mission of aiding underprivileged youths in the community, a passion of Ryan’s as seen through his work with Mustard Seed Communities.
During his time at St. John’s Prep, Ryan joined the Entrepreneurial Education Program where student teams participate in a 12-week intensive program to brainstorm a concept, build a business plan and compete against other entrepreneurs for real funding to begin executing their vision. Ryan, according to his co-founders, was the brainpower behind EquityOwl and the driver of their early success. In 2017, the Entrepreneurial Education Program was renamed in Ryan’s honor for his distinguished contributions to the program and incredible passion towards early stage companies. Proceeds that are contributed to the Ryan Shaw ‘15 Entrepreneurial Program will help further the resources and opportunities available to the program, so that students like Ryan will be able to pursue their passions for education and entrepreneurship as he did.
In addition to the 5K run itself, food offerings from local vendors, a live music performance, an appearance from the 103.3 AMP Radio Street Team, promotional items from event sponsors and a 50/50 raffle will be available to all participants and spectators on race day.
How to Contribute to the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run:
Register to run or walk in the race. The address for Artesani Park is 1255 Soldiers Field Rd. Boston. Participants who register by April 1 will receive a complimentary event t-shirt. Late registration shirts will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis on race day. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to run or walk in the race. Registrations close Tuesday, April 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Sponsor the Ryan Shaw Memorial 5K Run with your company or organization by donating funds and/or in-kind items to the event to help offset the costs associated with event set up, race day equipment, and administrative expenses. Sponsor logos will be displayed on the event website, race day t-shirts and event banners. Sponsorship forms close April 1.
Donate directly to the Ryan Shaw Foundation (Information available on www.RyanShaw5k.org)
Please visit RyanShaw5K.org to find more detailed information regarding the event, including registration, sponsorship and donation opportunities.
