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Baumler, a North Salem sixth-grader, was struck and killed when high winds brought down a tree at his home in October during Hurricane Sandy. He was 11. His best friend, Michael Robson, another North Salem Middle School student who was visiting Jack during the storm, was also fatally injured.
Many efforts have been made to help the Baumler and Robson families through their grief, to allay the contingent costs of the tragedy and to help the Baumlers rebuild their home, which was virtually destroyed.
In addition, memorial foundations have been established in memory of the two boys. The funds raised will be used for community services such as scholarships. The Croton Falls Fire Department recently paid tribute to the boys by renaming its Titicus Road baseball field the Jack Baumler and Michael Robson Memorial Field.
“The idea of a walk-a-thon came up for the first time last year and the members decided to devote it to raising money for autism,” said Trish Galluccio, co-adviser of the Honor Society. “The National Society loved the idea. They took it and ran with it.
“This year someone suggested that we sponsor the walk-a-thon ‘in remembrance of our boys,’ and it was unanimously agreed upon,” Galluccio said. She gave special credit to Alexa Salvato, president of the North Salem Honor Society, for being “instrumental in firing this up and spreading the word.”
This year’s walk will be done on the track at the middle/high school, “to keep everyone safe especially since there will be younger students walking,” Galluccio added. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends at noon.
So far, the National Weather Service is predicting lots of sun and temperatures in the 60s for Saturday, so the students are hoping for a large turnout.
For more information or a sponsorship form contact pgalluccio@northsalemschools.org.
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