An inaugural virtual 5K walk and run honoring the life of Pascal Weisberger draws to a close May 31. Community donations have eclipsed $5,000, but race organizer Ari Poholek, Pascal’s dad, hopes to reach $10,000 to support a local animal shelter that was near and dear to his son.
May 7 marked the beginning of the 5K walk and run that’s raising money to support the Upper Keys Humane Society in Key Largo. Work is underway on a new UKHS building that will contain a surgical salon, more dog runs as well as a quarantine unit for new arrivals, among other things. Weisberger volunteered at the shelter for a number of years.
Participants had the chance to gather with others to run or walk the Pascal’s Way 5K from Treasure Village Montessori to Forest Tek Lumber and back to the school on May 7. Poholek said he was quite impressed with the turnout, as some 45 people showed up to honor Pascal and raise funds for the shelter. Afterward, runners and walkers gathered at the wooden arch and heart-shaped sign created by Keys to Peace for a photo.
“Even though we got together locally in the Upper Keys, there are other folks who are participating virtually either down here or in other places until the end of the month,” Poholek said. “So far the event has raised close to $6,000, so it’s definitely a success thus far.”
Two years ago, the young boy passed away in a tragic incident at his home at Executive Bay Club in Islamorada. He was a young explorer who attended Treasure Village Montessori and Ocean Studies Charter School. He was a caring, loving soul as described by teachers, friends and loved ones.
Weisberger’s legacy lives on within the community through Pascal’s Day of Service. Held every February, the community is encouraged to go out and perform community service. Last February, Ocean Studies Charter School named its marine science lab after Weisberger. At Treasure Village Montessori, students participated in a fun run and cleaned up the beach at Founders Park.
Poholek said he plans to make Pascal’s Way 5K a yearly event with funds supporting various organizations.
“I’ve talked to other people who would like to be part of a committee to plan way ahead of time,” he said.
Those still wishing to participate in the Pascal’s Way 5K run and walk have until Tuesday, May 31. There’s no registration fee, but participants are asked to donate $25 to $30 or more. Donations can be made by visiting Pascal’s Way 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser for the Upper Keys Humane Society Inc. on Facebook.
In addition, Poholek said Pascal’s Way magnets and wrist bands will be available for donation at local businesses as an ongoing fundraiser for the UKHS.
