A MESSAGE FROM Justin's Fundraising Page
Run with a Smile, Donate with Heart, Radiate PositivityWelcome to my fundraising page! I am honored to have been selected for the 2024 Sandy Hook Promise Marathon Team!!
My name is Justin Scappatura-Davis, a fashion retail recruiter newly based on the Upper West Side in NYC.
This year, I've set a personal goal to run a full marathon, drawing inspiration from my Grandpa Bruce, a dedicated athlete. Grandpa Bruce, having conquered countless races, including double ironmen, traditional ironmen, and triathlons, is on the verge of achieving his dream of running a marathon in every state. His eyes lit up when I shared my newfound passion for running with him and he encouraged me to sign up for formal races! This year, he will be running his 21st NYC Marathon and I’m so excited to run this one with him.
This will be my first full marathon and my second fundraising charity run following my completion of the NYC Half marathon with the incredible organization, Experience Camps.
About Me:
I was born in Danbury, CT, and grew up in Newtown for the first couple of years of my life. My parents are Newtown natives, both graduating from Newtown High and being heavily involved in the local community. When my parents separated, my brothers and I moved to Woodbury with my mom and we spent weekends in Newtown with my dad.
I graduated from Nonnewaug High School, in 2013 and went to college at Roger Williams University, graduating in 2017 with a degree in Business Management. Following college, I relocated to Los Angeles shortly after with my now husband, Andrew Scappatura-Davis.
We have two cats, one dog, three beautiful nieces, and the cutest nephew.
Both sides of my family are still based in Newtown today! My Poppy, Phillip Scappatura, is very involved in the St Rose Church community, and my Mema, Jan Brown, and Grandpa, Bruce Goulart are actively involved in the local sports community. They run a pickleball league, a softball league, and too many others to count. Grandpa Bruce is well-known in the local running community and I feel very lucky that I have such a close-knit active family!
SO, Why Team Sandy Hook?
The tragic events of December 14th, 2012 are seared into my memory. I was a Junior in high school at the time and experienced firsthand the fear and uncertainty that shook our town. My cousin was at St Rose Elementary right up the street from Sandy Hook Elementary and I remember frantically calling my grandma to make sure she was okay as soon as I got word. As the news reports came out and the familiar names of lost lives went public - my heart sank for the families affected.
I remember asking my dad to bring me to the memorial set up at the Sandy Hook Town Center shortly after the tragedy where I was able to say a prayer and lay flowers beneath the evergreen tree. You can see some of the images I took when paying my respects. Witnessing the resilience and unity of the Newtown community inspired me to commit to organizations like Sandy Hook Promise that are dedicated to preventing such tragedies in the future.
I've known about Sandy Hook Promise since its inception in 2013, following its work closely through various platforms. When I was searching for a charity partner, Sandy Hook Promise immediately stood out as the perfect fit. The organization's mission to end school shootings and create a culture of safety deeply resonates with me, given my personal connection to Newtown.
Gun violence hits close to home for me, not only because of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, but also through the Pulse nightclub shooting, which deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community. I am passionate about advocating for change and creating safer communities for all.
Running with Sandy Hook Promise allows me to fulfill a lifelong dream of running a marathon while also raising funds for a cause I am incredibly passionate about. Joining the SHP team isn't just about completing a race; it's about being part of a movement striving to create a safer future for our children and communities.
How Your Donation Helps:
By supporting my fundraising efforts, you are contributing to Sandy Hook Promise's vital programs, including Start with Hello, S.A.V.E. Promise Clubs, Say Something, and the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. These programs empower youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. With your generosity, we can continue to support these life-saving initiatives and reach more youth, creating safer, more inclusive, and connected schools and communities.
Join Me in Making a Difference:
Help me reach my fundraising goal by donating today. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create safer communities for all.
Thank you SO much for your support!
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