PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Arc of Bristol County is encouraging runners, walkers, families, and community supporters to lace up their sneakers for the Flutie 5K Satellite Run on Sunday, October 11, at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence.
The event benefits The Arc of Bristol County, helping the nonprofit continue providing programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Bristol County, Massachusetts, and Northern Rhode Island.
During a recent appearance on MyFM’s The Zone, Kathy Novotny, Development and Communications Manager, and Michael Andrade, President and CEO of The Arc of Bristol County, highlighted why this year’s event is especially meaningful.
“This is our fifth year as a charity partner with the Flutie 5K,” Novotny said. “One of the biggest benefits is that the Flutie Foundation handles the race logistics, allowing us to focus entirely on fundraising and community engagement.”
As an official charity partner, every dollar raised through The Arc of Bristol County’s fundraising page goes directly back to the organization. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism also provides matching opportunities throughout the fundraising campaign, helping maximize the impact of every donation.
“We’ve already reached our first matching goal thanks to tremendous community support,” Novotny said. “Every contribution helps us provide more services to the individuals and families we support.”
This year’s event marks a return to the local area after previous editions were held farther away.
“Our families are thrilled that the event is back in the area where they live and where we provide services,” Novotny said. “It makes it much easier for the people we support and their families to participate together.”
For Andrade, the event represents far more than a fundraiser.
“The Arc is about community and partnership,” he said. “Working with the Flutie Foundation allows us to build those connections while expanding opportunities for the people we serve. It’s not just about raising money—it’s about bringing families together, helping people connect, and showing what’s possible.”
Funds raised through the event help address growing community needs, particularly as autism diagnoses continue to increase.
“Every dollar we raise helps us support families with unmet needs,” Andrade said. “The prevalence of autism continues to grow, and we’re constantly looking for ways to provide additional services and support.”
Novotny added that proceeds from the event will directly benefit many of The Arc’s programs, helping create more inclusive community experiences for participants while assisting families with services that may not otherwise be covered.
“Our departments identify goals each year based on what the people we support want to experience,” she said. “Whether that’s more community outings, enrichment opportunities, or helping cover services families can’t otherwise afford, these funds allow us to make those opportunities possible.”
Community members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate by walking, running, volunteering, or fundraising for the event.
To register or learn more about the Flutie 5K Satellite Run, visit ARCNBC.org, where participants can also find links to fundraising information and volunteer opportunities.
For the full interview with Kathy and Michael, click here: https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/the-zone-kathy-novotney-and?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
