Join Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation Walk to Help Cure Rare Diseases

The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation invites people of all ages to join its first-ever fundraising walk in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor, Denise D’Ascenzo. The two-mile health walk will step off on Saturday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m. on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus in Hamden, Conn., with part of the proceeds to be donated to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD).

The flat walk course winds through the picturesque Quinnipiac University campus, beginning and ending at the school’s recreation center. This event will offer something for the whole family. Participants and spectators will enjoy food and beverages. Numerous kids’ activities will start at 9 a.m.

“We are excited to host this inaugural event in honor of Denise’s legacy as Connecticut’s longest-serving news anchor, broadcasting on Channel 3 for over 33 years and, just as importantly, as a wonderful human being,” explains Wayne Cooke, Denise’s husband and the Executive Director of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation. “We selected the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) to receive part of funds raised in order to continue to spread the kindness she showed others, especially those facing life’s challenges.” NORD’s mission is to the identify, treat, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services.

You can register to walk in-person or virtually. Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends and associates or donate to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation which will donate part of the event’s proceeds to NORD. Raise $200 or more and receive a complimentary walk entry! Awards will be presented to the top fundraisers. Email

Sign up now to register, sponsor, donate or raise funds for the April 30th event.
To register and get full information, go to www.thedenisefoundation.com or https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Hamden/DeniseDAscenzoWalk

The health and safety of participants, volunteers, walk staff, and the community is the event’s top priority. The event will meet or exceed all local and state health requirements.

JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race and the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race, organizes the event. For more information about the walk, go to www.jbsports.com or call 203-481-5933

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to continue Denise’s legacy of love and kindness by supporting advances in medicine and health, women’s and children’s issues, and journalism studies. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since then, the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation has raised funds for community donations, including Hartford Hospital workers in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare as part of Connecticut’s Millions of Meals campaign, and Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children & Families in Windsor, among others. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.thedenisefoundation.com.