The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary announces its first Race For Catherine, which will take place in person on Sunday, June 20, with virtual participation opportunities June 18-20.

Teams and individuals are invited to join the sanctuary for this 5K for Kindness, a walk/run that can be done in person on Keating Farms Avenue in Fairfield Hills on the final day of the fundraiser or can be joined virtually anytime, anywhere across the country on any of those three days.

Costs range from $20 to $40 for youth and adult virtual and in-person participation; there is a requirement for adults to raise $25 in addition to the registration fee. All proceeds support the sanctuary and its mission of compassion.

Participants are invited to help foster a kinder and gentler world for all simply by signing up, getting outdoors, and walking/running to inspire a better world for animals, humans, and the environment — one step at a time.

Participants who register by June 1 will be guaranteed a Race For Catherine T-shirt, swag bag, shoelaces, and official medal. Top fundraisers and fastest finishers will receive special prizes.

Jennifer Hubbard, executive director of the sanctuary, is excited about bringing this new event to Newtown and its followers across the nation.

“June has always been a special month for the sanctuary. It’s a time when we celebrate Catherine’s birthday by bringing people together in a common mission of kindness and compassion. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had to cancel this year’s Catherine’s Butterfly Party, but we look forward to sharing this new and what I hope to be, inspiring event with so many,” she said.

To learn more, visit: cvhfoundation.org or register at runsignup.com/race/ct/newtown/raceforcatherine.

About the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

Nestled in the very heart of Newtown and spread over 34 acres of pristine farmland, breathtaking woodlands, and rolling meadows, the home of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is coming to life.

The sanctuary pays tribute to the life of Catherine Violet Hubbard, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. It will be a safe haven and place of healing that offers companion animal adoption, farm animal refuge, wildlife rehabilitation and release, and on-site educational workshops.

As funds for the sanctuary build are raised, site work has already begun at the property. Even without a building, the sanctuary is elevating kindness for animals, humans, and the environment through pet adoption and rescue collaboration events, free community workshops, pollinator protection, virtual and in-person education, and programs to help senior citizens keep and care for their pets. The sanctuary lands are currently open to the public from dawn until dusk, and visitors are welcome.