The annual Step Up for Colleen 5K walk/run is held in Andover, MA in memory of Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer, who tragically passed away in 2013. Colleen was from Andover. This charity event raises money for the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which fosters a society of compassion with kindness as a motivating influence in all its endeavors. Renowned for her kindness, zeal for life, teaching, and love of family, the organization emulates Colleen’s compassion through scholarships, grants and other programs with kindness and education at their core. We attract 3,500+ walkers and runners each year, including many local families, and all major Boston media outlets. We also have many sponsors, and many VIP guests such as the Boston Bruins mascot, Blades, and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders. Colleen's favorite color was pink so the shirts and much of the race decor are all pink. Our participants create a "sea of pink" in Andover and our event is truly one of a kind.