STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Thousands of people gathered in Stratford Saturday morning to honor a special teacher who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. The third annual Vicki Soto 5K honored her memory. About 3,000 people registered for the race. They wore pink and green, which were Vicki’s favorite colors. Flocks of flamingos greeted runners at the finish line, since Vicki loved the birds.
The race gets bigger every year. This year it raised more than $100,000 for the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. The money provides scholarships to kids who want to be teachers. Her family was at the race today. They say they’re glad to be raising money for a good cause in Vicki’s memory.
“Her sister says she’d probably be embarrassed,” said Jim Wiltsie, Vicki’s cousin who organized the event. “Vicki wasn’t a runner, but the importance of this event is all the proceeds go to help kids.”
There were balloon animals and a cupcake truck to celebrate Vicki’s birthday. She would’ve turned 30 years old earlier this week.
