The Hoyt Foundation October Newsletter

From the Office of the President

In October 2021 the Iconic Boston Marathon was run in October instead of April.  It still seems weird to say the Boston Marathon was run in October.  Below is a picture of the team that ran for Team Hoyt at our Pasta Dinner that we provide prior to the race to bring together the runners, their families, friends and supporters.

You may soon be hearing from many of the runners on the 2024 charity as they start their fund raising to support the Hoyt Foundation.  Please support them if you can.  However even more important than the money raised by having a charity team run in Boston is the awareness and education that spreads. 

Since that October running the Hoyt Foundation has established the Dick & Judy Hoyt YES YOU CAN grant program. 

Grants have been awarded to 2 families who have been able to obtain running chairs and participate inclusively in races. The grants have also been awarded to support:

• Inclusive dance and modeling
• Competitive horseback riding
• Inclusive swimming instruction and competition

Speaking engagements at the Warren-Prescott Elementary School in Charlestown, The Perkins School for the Blind, the Marathon Elementary School in Hopkinton have all taken place to spread the YES YOU CAN message from the Hoyt Foundation to children, their families and teachers.

We truly enjoy spreading this message and will continue to do so as long as we can.  If you know of anyone interested in having us come out and share our story please let us know.

Melanie Blair Golf Tournament

On Sunday September 17, 2023 The Hoyt Foundation sponsored and participated in the 35th Annual Melanie Blair Golf Tournament.  The tournament supports the Thom Westfield Infant & Toddler program (we plan to feature their work in next month’s newsletter).  Melanie is a young woman who has Down’s Syndrome and has lived and amazing included life.

The Hoyt Foundation had 2 teams going head-to-head for family bragging rights.  Team Dick in blue captained by Dick’s brother Herbie and Team Rick captained by Rick’s cousin Jason in black and gold.

We want to thank the Blair family, the staff from the Thom Westfield Infant & Toddler Program and Tekoa Country Club for honoring Dick and Rick along the course and with an amazing display “at the turn” where the first and tenth holes tee off.

The competition was fierce but friendly and just like when Dick and Rick ran races Team Rick finished slightly ahead and we thank everyone who played:

Left to Right: HOYTS – Cam, Jason, Jaymes, Troy, Rob, Russ, Herbie, Ryan and FRIENDS Matt Sordi and Matt Murphy

Sip, Sample & Support

Sunday August 27, Belmont MA

Venture Community Services is a long-standing beneficiary of The Hoyt Foundation.  On Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Barn in Sturbridge, MA they held their 17th annual Sip, Sample and Support fundraiser.  The Hoyt Foundation was one o the Platinum Level Sponsors for the event.

Rob, Zaida, Lisa and Russ Hoyt joined hosts Mike and Tammy Hyland for an evening of food, fun, friends and got to taste some incredible wines and other spirits.  There were also auction items and raffle prizes to make the evening a wonderful experience.

The funds provided by sponsors and raised through ticket sales, raffles ticket purchases, donations made that evening and bids on auction items helps Venture to continue their incredible work to support inclusion for individuals with disabilities.  With these funds Venture is able to offer:

• Autism Supports
• Community Day programs
• Community Residences
• Individuals Supports
• Shared Living
• Supported Employment
• Training & Education
• Transportation

Run Medford

On Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23, 2023 members the Hoyt Foundation supported Dave McGillivray and his Finish Strong Foundation.  On Friday Troy Hoyt participated in and won the celebrity mile.  But the true greatness of the evening was the dedication of the Dave McGillivray Track at Hormel Stadium.

On Saturday Dave hosted both a 5 mile run and 2 walk.  The 5-mile run featured Brandon & Jacob finishing as the first Duo and second overall!  Sue Hurley also came to support Dave and Mayor Lungo-Koehn also joined the fun.

The 2-mile walk was a fun way for Russ and Lisa to show Dave that the Hoyt Family is proud of him, amazed by how much he loves Medford, how much Medford loves him and that we love Medford too!

Easterseals - Empowerment Celebration

On Friday September 22, 2023 The Hoyt Foundation was honored to attend Easterseals Massachusetts Empowerment Celebration and present the Team Hoyt Award to a Fellow Mission Partner Berkshire Bank.

The tradition of the Team Hoyt Award began when Dick and Rick ran their 25th Boston Marathon. They dedicated that race to Easterseals Massachusetts and were the first recipients of the award.  The Foundation continues that spirit in everything we do and is embodied by everyone who runs with us and for us.

We continue to partner with and make an annual donation to Easter Seals.  This is possible because people contact us and become a part of our charity teams in events like the New York City Marathon, the Falmouth Road Race and of course the Boston marathon. 

BU Honors Rick

On Thursday September 21, 2023 the Hoyt Foundation President & CEO Russ Hoyt was given the great honor of accepting an Alumni Award from Boston University (specifically the Wheelock College of Education) presented to Rick for his outstanding advocacy and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Rick was awarded as part of an impressive group that has elevated the standards of excellence in their chosen fields including improving multicultural education, support for students and teachers through coaching, ensuring that underserved populations thrive and making sure that everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.

It was an amazing night as Rick was supported by his family, including his sister-in-law Lisa, nephew Cam and Cam’s wife Zoe to receive this award.

Introducing "Waypoint on Wheels"

Have you ever wanted to test out gear to see if it fits your needs? Have you ever wondered what the best off-road wheelchair or adaptive bike setup is for you? Are you considering an off-road wheelchair purchase for you or your family and want to come try options first?

Join us on Saturday, October 14th at Waypoint Headquarters for our “Waypoint on Wheels” Expo in collaboration with Grit and sponsored by Rodman For Kids. You’ll experience a private individualized lesson just for you where you'll try out different adaptive gear. From electric, to self-propel, to full-assist, we have an off-road wheelchair, hand-cycle, or tandem bike/trike to fit your desire for adventure!

FREE TICKETS for Run Show Boston!

Get Ready to Run Like Never Before at The Boston Run Show!  LIMITED TIME OFFER

Calling all runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts! It's time to lace up and mark your calendars because The Boston Run Show is back, and it's bigger and better than ever! Join us for an exhilarating celebration of running, health, and fitness that promises to take your passion to the next level.

When: January 27-28, 2024

Where: The Boston Hynes Convention Center

Who: Olympians, Elite Athletes including John Kelly, Hellah Sidide, Molly Sheridan, Scott Jurek, Laura Green, Dave McGillivray, Kelly Roberts and many more.

Your Favorite Brands including adidas, New Balance, Asics, Puma, Feetures, Marathon Sports, Boston Athletic Association, Saucony, HydraPak, OOFOS, 2before, Altra, RaceRaves, USWE, Matrix Fitness, Craft, Aetrex, Darn Tough and many more.

We’ve partnered with The Boston Run Show and we’re offering a limited number of FREE tickets for this year’s event! Snag yours now using free ticket code TEAMHOYT. 

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