STRATFORD, Conn. — The family of a teacher killed in last December’s school shootings in Newtown is hoping to get dozens of people dressed as flamingos to run the streets of Stratford.
They have organized a road race, the Vicki Soto 5K, for Saturday, Nov. 2, in Soto’s hometown. Victoria Soto was a 27-year-old first grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who authorities have said hid students and tried to shield others from the gunman who killed 20 children and six women. Eleven students in her classroom survived.
Proceeds from the race will go to the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund, which provide scholarships to students seeking to become teachers.
Soto was a big fan of flamingos and her family has used the bird as a symbol for their efforts.
“We would love people, if they have them, to wear flamingo costumes,” said Jillian Soto, Vicki’s sister. “It would be quite the sight to see a bunch of people dressed up as flamingos running.”
Jillian Soto said about 35 members of her family will run in the race and her mother will be at the finish line to greet runners.
The race has an entry fee of $26, in honor of the shooting’s 26 victims.
Soto said they are hoping to get more than 1,000 runners. Authorities have capped registration at 1,200.
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