Michael Curreri has only lived on the Cape since the eighth grade, but the high school senior has grown fond of this place he now calls home. “The atmosphere is great. I like the people and the Mashpee community is great,” he said.
Before Michael graduates in June from Mashpee Middle-High School, he will take time to give back to his adopted community, organizing a fundraiser for Heroes In Transition (HIT). Taking place on Saturday, April 28, 6-8 pm, the event is open to the public who are encouraged to come out and walk, run, or ruck on the high school’s track.
It costs $20 for people to participate in Michael’s Trot the Track Charity Walk which will include friendly games of cornhole, starting at 5:30 pm, as well as a 50/50 raffle.
Michael, who plays on the high school’s football and lacrosse teams, was introduced to HIT through his aunt, Kristen Alexander. She currently serves as HIT’s Program & Volunteer Manager and organizes events for military spouses as well as military couples.
“She’s been really close with HIT for a while and I was thinking this would be something I could do for my senior project,” Michael said. “I talked with her to figure out what I could do to help raise money for such an important cause.”
Through Kristen, Michael has learned not only about HIT’s work, but how it was founded; he and his brother have known HIT Co-founder and President Cyndy Jones for several years. “She is really great,” Michael said of Cyndy. “It means so much for me to be able to hold this event for my senior project.”
Kristen was delighted to see her nephew use his final few months of high school to find ways to give back by strengthening HIT’s mission. “Michael knows how much we love the work we do through HIT. He has volunteered and even participated in past fundraisers,” she said. “I’m so proud to see his heart help us spread awareness and support our local veterans, active military families, and their families.”
Both she and Michael are hopeful there will be a large showing for the charity walk on April 28. “It is for a great cause,” said Michael, who will be attending Coastal Carolina University, where he plans on majoring in kinesiology, in the fall. “There’s no reason not to come and join us.”
