Willow Tree featured in Sun Chronicle

August 27, 2007

Butterfly Run takes wing

The Sun Chronicle

BY JANETTE SEARS/SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

 

NORTH ATTLEBORO - Larger-than-life butterflies in the form of balloons, chairs and even a fountain were a fitting backdrop for the first Butterfly 5K Run held Sunday at World War I Memorial Park.

 

The butterflies were part of the scene at Julia's Garden, set in the midst of the park, where runners and spectators alike gathered before and after the races of the day.

 

The proceeds, according to event co-organizer Wally Cekala of North Attleboro, totaled just under $10,000, and through the Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation will go directly to expand the Julia's Garden area, add perennial plants and help provide for ongoing maintenance. J

 

ulia's Garden was created in honor of Wally and Lynda Cekala's daughter, Julia, who died in 2003 at the age of 9 from pancreatitis. The foundation also supports efforts against autism and kidney disease, which Julia battled as well.

 

Organizers were thrilled with both the proceeds and the turnout, according to Wally Cekala, who said attendance was "more than we could have imagined. We had about 270 runners pre-registered, and we finished off with 288."

 

The top three men's overall winners were Eric Lonergan of North Kingston in first place, Keiron Tumbleton of Hopkinton in second place and Robert LaPlante of Brookline in third place. The top three women's overall winners were Heather Crosby of Providence in first place, Lynn Johnson of North Attleboro in second place and Courtney Klenk of Norton in third place.

 

In addition, Cekala estimated that there were about 120 or more participants in the Children's Run, which was held shortly after the 5K run, and for which every runner received a medal.

 

Mary Croke-Mendonca of North Attleboro was proud to be the mother of three of the children who not only participated but placed in the Children's Run. Her 10-year daughter, Eilish, placed first in the 10-12 age category; and her 8-year-old twin daughters, Aine and Brigit, placed first and placed third in the 8-9 age category, respectively.

 

Croke-Mendonca said she and her daughters also were just happy to attend the event at Julia's Garden, where the family visits often. "Wonderful. Great time. Had a lot of fun. Good cause," were among the comments she made about the event.

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