Today, Sunday, September 20, the Emily Finn Foundation kicks off its first 5K Run & Walk — in honor of Emily Teresa Finn, and in recognition of National Domestic Violence Month.

The kickoff begins at SUNY Oneonta, where students and members of the Terpsichorean Dance Company — led by Tiffany Gardner and Ava DeMarco — are gathering in the Alumni Dance Studio for a live in-person campus walk to remember and honor Emily, and to raise awareness about teen dating violence and digital abuse.

From today through October 18, the foundation is hosting a FREE virtual campaign, and anyone from anywhere can take part. Walk or run at your own pace, alone or with friends, family, or even your pets — then snap a photo, post it to your social pages, and tag the Emily Finn Foundation on Facebook and Instagram. The goal is simple: carry Emily’s message and mission as far as it will go.

Then, on Sunday, October 18 — commemorating Emily as forever 18 — the foundation hosts its first in-person 5K Run/Walk in West Sayville at Cherry Avenue Elementary School, 155 Cherry Avenue. You can create a team or go it alone. Cherry Avenue is where Emily went to school, and where she came full circle: during her senior year she taught there through the BOCES early childhood education program, becoming the beloved “Miss Emily” of the universal Pre-K classes — and discovering her passion for teaching and her gift for working with special-needs children.

The day honors Emily’s beautiful spirit and light while building her lasting legacy in education — teaching our youth about the dangers of teen dating violence, digital abuse, gun safety, social and emotional wellness, and healthy relationships.

For event details and registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/WestSayville/EmilyLightsTheWay5kRunWalk

Let’s share a beautiful day of community and partnerships — and let #EMILYLIGHTSTHEWAY.