Upcoming 5K To Benefit Stamford Music Education Organization

STAMFORD, CT — The 14th annual Miles for a Mission 5K Run/Walk will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, to raise funds and awareness for INTEMPO.

The community event, organized by INTEMPO and St. Francis Episcopal Church, will benefit INTEMPO’s mission to help young people thrive through music education, life-skills development and community building.

Participants may complete the 5K in person or virtually. Runners, walkers and dogs are welcome. Virtual participants may complete the run or walk anytime from Sept. 14-20. Registration is required and available here.

The event will also feature Dogapalooza beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a contest at 9:45 a.m. Competitions will include "Best Trick," "Looks Most Like Your Dog," "Best in Show" and more.

Miles for a Mission began in 2013 after St. Francis parishioners sought to expand the church’s outreach efforts and make a greater impact in the community.

Proceeds were distributed among several nonprofit organizations supported by the church during the event’s first few years. Organizers later began selecting one beneficiary each year to provide more support and visibility to the chosen organization.

"Each year, we choose a Miles for a Mission beneficiary whose work reflects a commitment to building community and widening the circle of belonging," said the Rev. Joe Rose, rector of St. Francis Episcopal Church, in a news release. "INTEMPO stood out for the extraordinary work it does opening doors for children through music. They make a real difference and have been wonderful partners in making this year’s race a success."

"St. Francis’ support will not only allow us to enroll more students in our flagship Music School with the help of our generous financial aid," said INTEMPO CEO Lou Chen in a news release. "It has also united our staff, students, and families around the goal of getting in shape! We’ve been gathering every Wednesday to train for the 5K, and it’s been so gratifying to see the (literal) strides we’ve made since we started training."

Now in its 14th year, Miles for a Mission will surpass $250,000 raised for 11 nonprofit organizations, most of which serve the Stamford community.

The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2810 Long Ridge Road in Stamford.

Founded in 2011, INTEMPO provides music education to more than 600 children each year through after-school, summer and partnership programs. Most of its students come from lower-income households, including many from immigrant families that have faced financial, cultural and language barriers to music education.

St. Francis Episcopal Church is an Episcopal church in North Stamford whose members come from a variety of faith traditions.