"Johnny's Angels" Raise $7K for Special Olympics

It all started with a friendly competition at the gym.  Michael Krasco and John Bogosian used their shared competitive drive to stay motivated, competing to hit specific running-related benchmarks as they pounded out miles on the treadmill.

"It got to the point that we were running almost 40 miles a week," said Krasco.

How "Johnny's Angels" Came To Be

When Bogosian invited Krasco to join the team he organized to participate in the Jolly Jaunt in Boston on Dec. 4, he accepted. The two devoted their competitive spirit to the charitable event, raising money for Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA). Bogosian is a long-time board member with the organization.

The fruits of their labor paid off, as Bogosian and Krasco's 17-member team, nicknamed "Johnny's Angels," were recognized at the event as the top fundraising team in Boston. They collectively raised more than $7,000.

"SOMA transforms the lives of so many deserving and inspiring athletes year after year, and I was happy to participate in this year's event," said Krasco.

Johnny's Angels Jaunt Through Boston

The Jolly Jaunt is an annual 5k Run/Walk held at the Boston Common which hosts hundreds of runners racing through the Back Bay in holiday-themed running gear. In its sixth year, the Boston Jolly Jaunt included more than 1,200 participants.

Colleague and fellow Stoneham resident Joe Gresci joined Krasco for the Jaunt. Both are partners at the Woburn-based Erwin, Gresci, Krasco and Prue Financial Group, an independent financial services firm specializing in wealth management, estate and tax planning, insurance solutions, and retirement income planning.  

 "What a great feeling to participate in such an exciting event, knowing that our contribution helps so many Special Olympic athletes," said Gresci.

Inspired by Bogosian's participation, Krasco was drawn to support SOMA because of the broad impact of its mission. 

"Many of my clients over the years have had family members with special needs," said Krasco. "Supporting the Special Olympics allowed me to support an organization providing a very important service."

What Special Olympics Is All About

Funds raised by the Jolly Jaunt help support about 12,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities that take part in over 120 organized competitions in 27 different sports. This year's event raised about $80,000.

The President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts Robert A. Johnson was on hand to congratulate the team.

"It's people like those who make up Johnny's Angels that make Special Olympics possible," said Johnson. "The importance of their willingness to step-up for our athletes cannot be overstated. Without them there would be no Special Olympics."

How Can I Help?

Donations to SOMA continue to come in to Johnny's Angels even after the event via their Jolly Jaunt donation page. Those interested in learning more about the Jolly Jaunt or contributing to the cause can visit the Boston Jolly Jaunt website.