Fundraiser to honor memory of South Fayette teen

Fundraiser to honor memory of South Fayette teen

About 600 people will attend the Miles for Smiles 5K this summer on the Montour Trail.

The 4th annual fundraiser honors the legacy of Bennett Huibregtse of South Fayette. In 2020, the 16-year-old died as the result of multiple complex disabilities.

This framed photo at the Miles for Smiles fundraiser in 2023 honors the memory of Bennett Huibregtse of South Fayette. In 2020, the 16-year-old died as the result of multiple complex disabilities. "His smile was beyond beautiful," says the website for nonprofit organizer Always B Smiling.

Submitted photo

The nonprofit Always B Smiling, founded in 2020, organizes the fundraiser to offer free programs to children, families and caregivers with life challenges. Funds also will help furnish an accessible activity and learning center the group is building in Peters.

Miles for Smiles participants walk, roll and run during the 2023 event at the Montour Trail.

Submitted photo

Board vice president Gina Esch of South Fayette said Miles for Smiles accommodates people of all abilities.

“It’s a big, inclusive party,” she said. “We call it a walk, run and roll.”

Kids participate in a 116-yard dash at Miles for Smiles in 2023.

Submitted photo

The event is set for Sun. July 21 at 107 Valleybrook Road in Peters. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and activities start at 9 a.m.

Registration is free, and donations are voluntary. Food, music and activities follow a 116-yard dash for kids and the 5K.

Find details, register and donate at alwaysbsmiling.org.

—Andrea Iglar