Spectrum for Living’s Michael B. Carpenter Memorial Family 5K, Walk, and Doggie Dash will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. This event invites individuals, teams, and businesses to run, walk, roll, or stroll in support of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Michael B. Carpenter, a beloved Spectrum for Living family member and Board Trustee. His life was marked by service, compassion, and dedication. Michael’s unwavering support for Spectrum for Living, his deep love for his family, and his work with the Knights of Columbus touched the lives of everyone who knew him. The Michael B. Carpenter Memorial 5K, Walk, and Doggie Dash will not only celebrate his legacy but also raise vital funds for the organization he cared so deeply about,” said Christopher Perry, President & CEO of Spectrum for Living. “Thanks to the generosity of partners like the Knights of Columbus, Starbucks of Closter, and Baron Financial, we’re able to offer participants a breakfast, a barbeque lunch, and a sweet ice cream dessert. We’ll also have a live DJ, face painting, and will provide commemorative t-shirts to those who register by April 6th. Plus, we’ll honor our top three finishers with medals and give special recognition to the first dog to cross the finish line.”

In partnership with Tri-State Timing, Spectrum for Living encourages participants of all skill levels to join the event on April 26th. The Family 5K, Walk, and Doggie Dash is generously supported by Spectrum for Living Endowment, Architectural Window, The Sorenson Family, HomeCare Therapeutics, Peter D. DeMaio, The Mahwah Chamber, and The Meadowlands Chamber. This event provides a meaningful opportunity for individuals, families, and local businesses to make a difference in the community. All proceeds from the event will benefit Spectrum for Living’s mission to offer comprehensive care to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

To guarantee an event t-shirt, registrants are encouraged to sign up by April 6th. Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the race starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony and lunch. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/sfl5k.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested individuals, groups, and businesses can contact Elizabeth Boyajian, Director of Development, at (201) 358-8081 or eboyajian@spectrumforliving.org to learn more.