Tens of thousands of people will gather at walks in nearly 60 communities nationwide, this fall, in support of family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors living with life-threatening food allergies. Join FARE and the food allergy community in Fairfield County to raise critical funding, for and awareness about this growing public health issue. The FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Connecticut will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, from 1-4.  This family fun day will offer fun activities including face painting, lawn games, live music and arts and crafts featuring the Teal Pumpkin Project.
The volunteer arm of FARE in Connecticut has its roots in New Canaan.  The Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) was initially founded by Helen and David Jaffe of New Canaan, with a core group of committed parents and grandparents from NYC in 1997.  FAI initiated efforts to raise awareness of food allergies and fund research for a cure.  The Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai was established at the same time.   FAI eventually merged with FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) to form FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) in 2012 forming a national support network for the 15 million individuals suffering from severe food allergies.  Helen has always been passionate and inclusive about educating the community with ways in which to improve the lives of those living with food allergies, whether it is in restaurants, schools, or simply among the general population and she continues to lead this effort under FARE.
With a dedicated committee of over twenty women, including Helen Jaffe, Olivia English and Saira Rizvi all of New Canaan, FARE CT hosted its inaugural FARE Walk for Food Allergy in 2014, drawing over 500 enthusiastic walkers and raising over $100,000, helping to advance food allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness initiatives.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available, enabling businesses to show their support for families who are managing food allergies.
http://ncadvertiser.com/57848/fare-walk-for-food-allergy-oct-3-in-westport/