AMHERST — As the Amherst A Better Chance program begins marking its 50th anniversary of housing young men of color from educationally underserved school districts, downtown Amherst on Saturday will be filled with people walking and jogging in the nonprofit’s annual benefit Fall Foliage 5K Walk/Run.
“It’s the biggest fundraiser we have for the house, and that’s why we’ve been going on so long,” says Sid Ferreira, the residential director for the North Prospect Street home where five scholars, from cities such as Boston, Bridgeport, Connecticut and Newark, New Jersey, all live. The students attend Amherst Regional High School.
The two juniors, two sophomores and one freshman came to Amherst after being identified by the national ABC program for their leadership potential. Although they live downtown and are away from their families, except when they return home four times a year, Ferreira said the students are just like their classmates, going to school and studying, participating in extracurricular activities and sports and beginning to apply to colleges.
The Amherst program began in fall 1968 with eight scholars after the Amherst Regional School Committee approved hosting the program. Since that time, more than 130 scholars have graduated through the program.
Saturday’s event brings in a significant portion of the money needed to cover the annual $125,000 operating costs that go toward living and school expenses.
Planning for the Fall Foliage event has been coordinated by Kursten Holabird. Keith Nesbitt, the incoming president of the ABC board, said Holabird and others have been meeting weekly for much of the summer to make sure the event goes off without a hitch.
People who haven’t preregistered for the event can come to the Town Common at 9 a.m., with walkers starting at any time and the 5K run beginning at 10:30 a.m. The fee for adults is $30, children are $15 and families and groups are $70.
After completing their runs and walks around the Amherst College campus, including the sanctuary that has views of the Pelham hills and a section of the Norwottuck Rail Trail, participants will return to the common from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for entertainment, food and other activities.
Amherst College’s participation has been vital over the years, Ferreira said, including providing all tutors, including five this fall who drop by the house Thursdays through Sundays.
In September, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee issued a proclamation marking the 50th anniversary of its involvement. “Be it resolved that the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee reaffirms the continuing commitment to, and partnership with, Amherst A Better Chance” and describing those in the program as “highly valued members of the Amherst Regional High School student body who have enriched the ARHS and broader communities through their numerous contributions.”
“The partnership between the schools and the house is critical,” Nesbitt said. “To see the school board publicly reaffirm its commitment was really special.”
Ferreira said on June 15, 2019, a celebration of the half-century milestone will be held at the Campus Center at the University of Massachusetts as a way of thanking the community.
“This has been an amazing community and the 5K walk and run speaks volumes about the community support,” Ferreira said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
