BROCTON — On Saturday the 4th Annual Darren Manzella-Lapeira Memorial 5K Run and 3K Fun Walk will be held at the Brocton American Legion Post 434 on Main Street in Brocton.

The Run and Walk will start at Brocton Central School on School Street and finish at the American Legion. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Run will begin at 10 a.m., rain or shine. All proceeds benefit local veterans through the Darren Manzella-Lapeira Assistance Fund associated with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and Veterans Agency.

This fund, which was set up by Darren’s family, offers veterans monetary assistance for immediate needs, such as food, rent, medical expenses, transportation and utilities. Also, proceeds from the event will benefit the Veterans Endowment Fund and a scholarship in Darren’s name at Brocton Central School to a graduating student who is a descendant of a veteran and continuing their higher education.

Darren graduated from Brocton Central School and earned a degree in psychology from West Virginia University in May, 2000. He served in the United States Army from 2002 to 2008, including two tours of duty in Iraq as a combat medic. He received various honors for his military service, including the Army Good Conduct Medal and three Army Commendation Medals, including the Combat Medical Badge for rendering medical aid to fellow soldiers while under fire.

On Aug. 29, 2013, Darren was killed in an automobile accident in Rochester. He had only been married seven weeks when the accident occurred. At the time of his death, he was employed full time at the Canandaigua Department of Veteran Affairs in the Crisis Unit, counseling veterans in crisis.

He cared very deeply about the welfare of the veterans and was very successful in connecting with them as a veteran himself, and getting them the support they needed. This, and to honor him, is the reason his family has set up the funds to help veterans. He also joined the New York State National Guard as a Health Care Sergeant, was promoted to Staff Sergeant and had recently been promoted to Instructor.

Darren cared about everyone and was always the first to support and willing to help anyone. He had so many friends that always introduced themselves as “Darren’s best friend.” He had a magnetic personality, stunning smile and intuitive art of making people laugh. Darren is known to the world as a courageous Army staff sergeant, and challenger to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which plagued gay military men and women from being out in the open in uniform.

Darren’s entire family and circle of friends are looking forward to receive runners and walkers on July 29 from the Brocton American Legion Post. There will be an opening ceremony, with the Run and Walk following. A chicken barbecue dinner will be available for $10 and a raffle for a Go-Pro Hero camera and Apple iPad will be drawn. A sizable basket auction will also take place, along with a large item raffle. (It is not required for the winners to be present). All details of the event and on line registration can be found at the race’s official website: www.manzella-lapeira-memorialrun.com.

Runners and walkers can also sign up for the race/walk the day of the race. Additionally, for those who cannot attend at the race site, a virtual run can be found on the website. Anyone with questions can contact Nancy or Mike Manzella at 792-9837 or manzellamichael@yahoo.com