The Francie’s Family 5K run/walk was created to honor Francie Billotti-Wood and her family, offer solace and support for those who loved them, and build the spirit of the community that they called home. The goal was never to raise money, but after the great success of the 2010 inaugural race, it became apparent that through the generosity of those who knew and loved the Billotti-Wood Family, we in turn, had an opportunity to further support the Middletown Community Family.
2010
Portions of the 2010 race proceeds went toward creating an amazing addition to the Middletown Memorial Park. Four pieces of playground equipment were purchased, sand and mulch were donated, and a sturdy bench was placed in a new section of the playground. This was done in memory of Chandler, Gavin and Fiona Billotti-Wood, and Fordham Poffenberger. The playground equipment included a butterfly tunnel, a “surfboard” balance board, a backhoe and a dinosaur sandbox. Memorial Park was chosen as the beneficiary of the 2010 race proceeds as it was one of the Billotti-Wood Children’s favorite local parks, and is centrally located in the Middletown Valley, where it can be enjoyed by the entire community. It was through the dedication of the Francie’s Family 5K committee, the town officials of Middletown, and the community as a whole that made this possible. The new playground equipment was dedicated on Friday, March 19, 2011.
2011
The 2011 race proceeds were used to create a Butterfly Garden at the Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center on Sumantown Road in the Middletown/Jefferson area. In conjunction with the Frederick County Parks Department, a portion of the 2011 proceeds went towards the design, landscape, and creation of a unique butterfly garden in memory of the Billotti-Wood Family. Volunteers from the Middletown community and beyond, worked together to help prepare the land for seeding, mulch the pathways, and further prepare the garden. The Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center was chosen as the beneficiary of the 2011 Francie’s Family 5K run/walk as a way to honor Francie’s passion for, and love of the environment, as well as her commitment to preserving nature. The dedication of the Butterfly Garden at the Catoctin Creek Park & Nature Center is scheduled tentatively for May 19, 2012.
2012
Proceeds from the 2012 Francie’s Family 5 K run/walk will again go towards the benefit and support of the Middletown Valley Community.
