Walkathon supports local youth fighting cancer

CARLSBAD — The first annual Mitchell Thorp Walkathon to support children and families suffering life-threatening illnesses will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 23 at Thorp Field in Carlsbad’s Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Road.
Carlsbad Unified School District administrators, staff, families and friends will participate in the first annual Mitchell Thorp Walkathon at 9 a.m. Jan. 23 at the newly named Thorp Field. The event includes entertainment and prizes. People wishing to participate at any level — by doing the walkathon, sponsoring a participant, donating or becoming a corporate sponsor — can do so by visiting www.mitchellthorp.com.
Community participation is encouraged, said District Superintendent John A. Roach, who plans to participate in the event. “In challenging times, families come together,” he said. “Our district and the Carlsbad community are closely knit, like families. The Walkathon will raise much-needed funds to help the Quartarone and Reiser families pay for the staggering treatment costs. We are happy to participate in this effort.”
Funds generated from this event will go to the Mitchell Thorp Foundation, a nonprofit, public benefit 501 (c) (3) organization founded by the Thorp family while their son, Mitchell, was battling an undiagnosed illness. Mitchell lost his battle last year at the age of 18. His family started the foundation in their son’s name to give back to the community, and to support the many other families that are in need of assistance.
Proceeds from the inaugural event will be used for the benefit of two 16-year-old boys, Chase Quartarone and Sam Reiser of Carlsbad and their families, as they go through this journey. Both Chase and Sam are well-known athletes and distinguished community servants in the Carlsbad community. Chase lost his battle on Dec. 7, but the cause is going forward to help all in the community.
To register for the event, or to make a donation, visit www.mitchellthorp.org. Walkers may also sign up at the event starting at 9 a.m. In addition to the walk, participants will be treated to entertainment and an array of fun prizes and activities.
Businesses can support the inaugural walkathon in two ways — through sponsorship levels of $250, $500, $750 and $1,000 with appropriate company logo, signage and publicity acknowledgement throughout the event; and through in-kind materials donations ranging from printing, food and supplies, and raffle items. For information, contact Brad Thorp at (760) 603-8853 or [email protected].