Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Panel to share expertise for marathon fundraisers

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The 26.2 Foundation is offering support to nonprofits in Hopkinton that received invitational entries for the 2026 Boston Marathon with a community fundraising panel next month.

The panel, which will be held at Start Line Brewing on Jan. 7, will feature representatives of other nonprofits and athletes who previously have raised money in the marathon. The evening also will feature an open session where attendees can workshop their own ideas for fundraising.

Kim Chisholm, 26.2’s executive director of development and institutional advancement, stated in an email that the panel lineup still is being finalized. She shared that Stephanie Acierno, a 22-time marathon runner and founder of Belief Runners, will be participating in the event.

As part of the evening, Start Line is holding a raffle for two event packages. Winners will get the opportunity to hold fundraising events at the brewery with no rental fees and other perks.

“[Start Line’s] offer to work with these nonprofits is a pretty substantial offer,” said Tim Kilduff, president and founder of 26.2.

The Select Board last month awarded 50 invitational entries for the marathon. Six town departments and committees applied for 12 of the entries, while 44 nonprofits submitted a total of 67 applications.

“The demand … increases every year,” said Kilduff. “These [entries] become really valuable.”

Because of that demand, Kilduff said his foundation felt it was important to “bring some expertise to bear” for the organizations that received invites and help enhance their fundraising efforts.

Those who receive entries from the town must commit to raising a minimum of $6,000 — an amount Kilduff noted is lower than most of the major nonprofits.

“It’s tough to raise money,” he commented. “There are a lot of demands out there that have to be met.”

Added Kilduff: “We need to help them be as creative as possible in terms of raising the funds that ultimately get brought back … to Hopkinton.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

Shoppers check out the options at a recent Hopkinton Winter Farmers Market, which is held on Sundays at Weston Nurseries.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO