Annual Mom McGrail Fun Run, Block Party Kick Off August in Stamford

STAMFORD  – The woman who was mom to so many in the Stamford community will be celebrated this weekend as the annual Mom McGrail Memorial Scholarship 5 K steps off this Saturday, Aug. 1 for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Mom McGrail was not just "mom" to her own 12 children , but to many others in the community who experienced her kind support. After her passing in April 2011, following her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, a foundation was created to perpetuate her memory and carry on her legacy of getting members of the community together to have a good time. She enjoyed seeing people have fun.

The principles of the Mom McGrail Foundation are: to treat others as you would want to be treated; help those less fortunate; believe the best in everyone and always promote moral and ethical values.

Each year the McGrail Foundation awards five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from the 11 different school districts that make up the Delaware League. The scholarships help offset the cost of college in the first semester for those attending an institution of higher education.

The block party, which follows on the heels of the run, was started by friends of the McGrail family. As the 12 McGrail children returned home for the run, they wanted a way to meet up with all their friends and the block party was born. TP's Cafe started the block party. It's another way to bring more of the community together for a fun family event, according to Cathy Popp-McKenna of the Stamford Wellness Center.

The Wellness Center has become involved because their mission is also about bringing the community together. They have joined with the McGrail Foundation to host the block party event.

The block party runs from 4-9 p.m. and  is free to everyone. The party centers around Veterans Park at the intersection of Railroad Ave. and Main Street. Railroad Ave. is shut down for several hours and turned into a place where there will be live music, food trucks and face painting. DJ Pat Delrosario, a close family friend, will be the emcee for both events.

There will be free popcorn and ice cream (furnished by MacAdoodles), Barbara Stoesser Face-painting, and Wes Laraway Wildlife education. Live music includes Soundtech, Ryan Goodwin and Becca Frame and Friends. There will also be beverages, beer and wine for purchase. Sunken City Cider and Ty’s Tacos will be present, along with others.

The date was chosen as the closest to Mom Kathleen McGrail's birthday on Aug. 7. Registration for the run begins  at Veterans Park at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the race or is available online at mommcgrail.org. The race gets off at 10 a.m. from the rail station on Railroad Ave and includes walkers, strollers and runners of all ages.

This event kicks off the month, with Stamford Yard Sale Day set for Aug. 7.