Foley’s race helps MHS team reach nationals

On April 21 the owners and staff of Foley’s Backstreet Grille closed its doors to the public so they could open their hearts to the kids of the Massachusetts Hospital School. The first annual Foley’s Backstreet 5K Road Race was held just days after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon and served as an opportunity for people to come together and take part in a welcomed celebration of community.

(L-R) Karen Foley, Mark Feehily, Dave Foley, Brian Devin, Dick Crisafulli, and Al Ayla

“Today, we run as one” flashed from the Mass. Hospital School’s Randolph Street sign as nearly 500 runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants streamed from the MHS campus and into the neighboring streets.

Proceeds from the event will enable the school’s power soccer team, the Chariots, to compete in next month’s national championship in Minnesota.

“Power Soccer is the fastest growing sport in the disabled community,” said Richard Crisafulli, director of recreation and athletics at the school, “and after four years of hard work and a lot of disappointment, we finally have a team that has qualified for the nationals.”

That invitation to compete came very close to being turned down. “After our biggest fundraising event of the year was pushed from May to October, the dollars to send these kids to Minnesota wasn’t there,” explained CEO Brian Devin, who noted that the school relies on donations and fundraising to support all of its off-campus activities. “And then Karen and Dave Foley happened.”

The Foleys contacted the school and offered to underwrite the entire cost of the road race. On race day their staff prepared and served up the post-race refreshment, meaning there was no one back on Pearl Street watching the restaurant.

“Karen and I wanted this to be a day about Mass. Hospital School, the runners, and the people that helped make it possible,” said Canton resident Dave Foley. “So we closed the restaurant and invited all the volunteers back for a post post-race party.”

Two weeks later, Foley’s added the proceeds from its annual golf tournament to its donation from the race. The two events together combined to raise an even $13,000.

The MHS Chariots fly out of Logan June 20.

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