While COVID-19 continues to threaten communities across the state, the town of Hopkinton continues to persevere throughout these tough times. One organization has been going above and beyond to assist individuals and families in the area since 2009.

For the past decade, the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation has been helping people who are facing hard times. President Sandy Lucchesi, a longtime Hopkinton resident and RE/MAX agent, explained that through grant applications people are awarded funding for health-related hardships or other emergencies. In the past the organization has provided funding for those who were unable to pay medical bills, as well as people involved in house fires. “The foundation was created as a means of being able to give back to local communities,” Lucchesi said.

Since its launch, the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $225,000, including more than $30,000 last year. The majority of this money comes from fundraisers, which also help to spread awareness about the organization’s mission. The foundation’s most successful fundraiser, the annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors 5K Run/Walk, was a monumental success last year. This year, due to the pandemic, the race will look very different.

Organizers have switched to a virtual race in which people can participate in a variety of ways. “As long as they are active, they can do anything.” Lucchesi said. “Going for a walk with friends, walking their dog — we just want people to have a great experience while contributing to a great cause.”

Registrants will run/walk a 5K sometime between Nov. 19-26 and report their time. The first 50 registrants will receive a custom-designed 5K cloth mask. The male and female participants with the fastest times will receive turkeys as a means of celebrating the Thanksgiving season, and the fastest under the age of 18 will get a gift certificate for ice cream.

One of the highlights of last year’s race was the large breakfast buffet at Hopkinton Country Club. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who had shown up,” Lucchesi said. “We just had a fabulous turnout and it was wonderful to see.” Organizers are planning to keep the same tradition by asking participants to make a homemade breakfast buffet virtually.

Participants also are asked to share photos and short videos to be shared on social media.

“People love to run, people love to walk,” Lucchesi said. “This is a great way to have fun with friends and family while raising money at the same time, just a great overall experience for everyone.”

For more information on the Neighbors Helping Neighbors 5K, visit racewire.com/register.php?id=11929.