Environmental cleanups and running were among the activities the late Pascal Weisberger enjoyed during his life in the Keys.
The young boy’s life was cut short in a tragedy May 7, 2020. But his legacy lives on through monthly cleanups, including one on Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Settlers Park, and the upcoming Pascal’s Way 5k Run/Walk on May 2.
Weisberger was an active volunteer who contributed thousands of hours helping nonprofit charitable organizations, while also spending time cleaning the shoreline.
The 5k event is inspired by his love for running, which he discovered early on in his life. Since its inception, Pascal’s Way 5k has raised thousands of dollars for charities, programs and scholarships at schools the boy attended and thrived in during his life. Funds support community service-oriented seniors from Coral Shores High School Class of 2026. Any additional funds will go to support the science programs of Treasure Village Montessori in Islamorada and Ocean Studies Charter School in Key Largo.
“Over the course of his nine years living in the Upper Keys, Pascal attended both of these amazing schools and they each added greatly to his life and him becoming the special young man that he was known to be in his community,” said Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father and race organizer.
Racers will take to the start line at 8 a.m. at TVM. Participants will run and walk to the southern entrance of Forest Tek Lumber complex before turning around and finishing at TVM.
Before the race, a spaghetti dinner fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church in Tavernier. The suggested donation for adults is $15 and $10 for those under 14.
Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Islamorada/PascalsWay5K to sign up for the race. In lieu of a registration fee, participants, as well as people who aren’t running or walking, are encouraged to donate $30 to $40. A Pascal’s Way race T-shirt, magnet and wristband will be provided to each participant and post-race refreshments will be available, as well as a raffle and slideshow about Pascal’s life.
Those wishing to make a donation for the scholarships directly can do so to the Pascal’s Way Fund of the Community Foundation of the FL Keys: cffk.org/pascalsway.
For those who can’t attend the race in person, a virtual 5k in Pascal’s honor goes through May 30.
