Running for Whiteknact School

On Sunday, October 28, 2018, Natalie Scarpetti ran a full marathon at the Ocean State Marathon in Narragansett, RI. Although a runner, this will be Scarpetti's first full marathon. "I am using this opportunity to raise money for Operation Whiteknact Playground," Scarpetti said as she prepares her run.

"Currently, Whiteknact Elementary School is the only elementary school in the community without an on-site playground and the Whiteknact community is working to remedy this. This playground will be all inclusive so that children of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy themselves. This state of the art playground will be a wonderful addition to the Whiteknact school and will be extremely beneficial for all the children, but as you can imagine, it is quite costly," added Scarpetti. Scarpetti stresses that every dollar raised will go directly to the playground fund.

The Whiteknact community is hoping to raise enough money to build a safe, ADA approved playground for the school and the neighborhood kids.

Scarpetti describes herself as "a runner, avid baseball fan, a teacher, and most importantly a mom." She spent seven years on the sidelines of life because of back problems. After several years of surgeries and procedures and life changing spine surgery in December 2016, she is now running again. "I want to use my love of running to give back to my community by raising money to help fund this playground for the children at Whiteknact Elementary. Let’s get these kids a playground!"

The Whiteknact school community around Grosvenor Avenue hopes to replicate what other city schools have done. They plan on raising money for the project and adding to the educational and social needs of the area. Donations can be made to the school or via a funding link: https://www.gofundme.com/operation-whiteknact-playground.