On Saturday, May 3, more than 1,000 runners and walkers gathered at Neary School in Southborough to participate in the 19th Annual NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club. With sunshine, music, and an overwhelming sense of community, the day was a celebration of inclusion, support, and the incredible work of The New England Center for Children (NECC).

This year, the NECC 5K raised $310,000 to benefit the Annual Fund, which supports student and staff resources not covered by tuition. 

“This is about accomplishing a great goal of completing a 5K, but also raising donations for NECC,” said Jared Bouzan, MEd, chief development officer at NECC. “A lot of fundraising is required to support our staff and our students, and this is what it’s all about.”

BJ’s Wholesale Club served as the event’s presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, and the company had a major presence at the race. Scott Schmadeke, executive vice president and chief operations officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, shared that more than 105 BJ’s employees came out to comprise their team.

“There are a lot of people at BJ’s who want to help support NECC,” said Schmadeke. “It’s important to BJ’s that we support organizations like NECC because we know that the families need our support, we know that the students need our support, and we know that we want to be there and be present in the communities we serve.”

After touring NECC five years ago, Schmadeke joined the President’s Council to use his connections and expertise to solicit support for NECC and was the driver behind BJ’s partnership. In addition to event sponsorships and donations of goods, Schmadeke and his colleague Chris DeSantis have served as corporate co-chairs of the NECC 5K Walk/Run for two years, and 29 staff have joined the Young Professionals segment of the President’s Council. Not to mention, BJ’s team member Brendan Carter was first to cross the finish line on May 3.

“We’re excited to do more and more each year,” added Schmadeke.

One of those families who benefit from BJ’s support and NECC services is the Rounsevilles, who have participated in the NECC 5K since their son, Luke, started as a residential student at NECC eight years ago. This year, Team “Rounsie’s Runners” raised more than $1,200 in support of NECC.

“It’s such a great feeling to be here with everybody and the vibe is amazing,” shared Luke’s mother, Ann. “It kind of pulls you through all year with a good feeling until the next one.”

Seeing families like the Rounsevilles, students like Luke and his classmates, and community supporters like BJ’s come together is one of longtime staff member Linda Donahue’s favorite parts about the NECC 5K.

“In my 35 years at NECC I have volunteered at a number of events, but I especially love volunteering for this event because it has a true sense of community and involves any and all parents, teachers, and students, and really promotes what we do well at NECC,” said Donahue.