Princesses of Power — Sparkles, Strength, and $51,000 for Safe Passage
The Princesses of Power (PoP) first came together for the Hot Chocolate Run in 2021. Co-captains Josh and Aubrey had long loved bringing friends together for athletic events, and the Run—with its deep roots in the Valley and mission they care deeply about—was the perfect fit.
The team’s name was inspired by Josh’s pandemic binge of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a show that became “a true beacon of light during those dark days.” But for the PoP crew, “princesshood” is reimagined—gender-inclusive, non-monarchistic, and open to anyone ready to don sparkles, rainbows, and shine. As they say, anyone can be a Princess of Power.
That spirit of inclusion has fueled the team’s incredible growth: 20 members in 2021, 39 in 2024, and a total of 61 different people who have worn the PoP crown at least once. From runners chasing new personal records to walkers there for the joy of costumes and community, everyone has a place. Together, they’ve raised more than $51,000 for Safe Passage.
For PoP, the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. After the race, the group gathers at FitzWilly’s for their own “awards banquet.” Josh pulls out his laptop to crunch post-race numbers, and prizes are handed out for categories like Best-Dressed, Top Fundraiser, Fastest, Slowest, and even Most-Average Princess. “It’s fun to spend time together as a group and congratulate everyone for their contributions,” they share.
But behind the laughter, glitter, and inside jokes lies a deeper motivation. “Every person in the group has their own story about how domestic violence has touched their life or the life of someone they care about. We’re so grateful these resources exist in our community.” Supporting Safe Passage isn’t just important to them—it’s personal.
Some of the team’s most cherished memories come from seeing their community literally grow. In recent years, several babies have been “born into the Princess of Power dynasty,” sparking a new post-race tradition: the Running for Two award. “We can’t wait to watch these kiddos grow up and start running themselves,” they share with pride.
For the Princesses of Power, the Hot Chocolate Run is more than a race. It’s a chance to live out their values with joy and color—to raise vital funds, lift up one another, and prove that anyone, with a dash of sparkle, can be a Princess of Power.
You too can tap into your inner princesshood and make a difference by raising money for survivors of domestic violence.
Semi Sweet Savages — Fundrasing with Friendship, Fun, and Fierce Determination
When best friends Bryanna and Alexandra signed up for their very first Hot Chocolate Run a decade ago, they didn’t quite know what they were getting into. “That was my first ever 5K,” Alexandra laughs. “I’m not a runner—I trot. But Bryanna looked at me and said, ‘Hey, want to do a 5K with me?’ and I said, sure.”
What began as two friends testing themselves has grown into Semi Sweet Savages, a spirited team known for their creativity, ugly sweater tradition, and community-centered fundraising. The name itself—rooted in the Hot Chocolate theme but flexible enough to carry into other events—has become part of their identity. “We wanted something memorable,” Bryanna explains. “Semi Sweet fit perfectly—because we’re a little fun, a little crazy, and just a little savage.”
Now entering their 10th Hot Chocolate Run, the Semi Sweet Savages are marking the milestone with special outfits and a little mystery for their supporters. “We love keeping people guessing about what we’ll do next,” Alexandra says. “It makes fundraising fun for us and for the people cheering us on.”
What truly sets this team apart is their inventive approach to fundraising. From trivia nights and bingo tournaments to a one-of-a-kind “Tips-Giving” event, the Savages have turned creativity into community impact. “We like to take the pressure off and make fundraising something people want to be part of,” Bryanna shares. “Come play bingo, come laugh with us, and along the way, you’ll learn about Safe Passage and why this work matters.”
That mix of fun and purpose is deeply rooted in their personal motivation. For Bryanna, participating in the Hot Chocolate Run has also been a journey of self-discovery. “I didn’t realize for a long time that I had been in a domestic violence situation,” she reflects. “At the time, I told myself, ‘I’m strong, I’m not getting hit, so I don’t need support.’ Looking back, I see how much I did need it. Each year I share a little more of my story because I know there are others in that same headspace. Fundraising is my way to say, ‘You’re not alone.’”
Alexandra nods. “For me, the biggest thing has been realizing there are spaces where people will listen—even if you’re not sure how to talk about it. That’s why we show up, year after year. We want people to know they can talk, they can share, they can be heard.”
And while their cause is serious, their team spirit is joyful. Ugly sweaters on race day, goofy group photos at the start of fundraising season, and celebrating each member’s contributions—big or small—are all part of the Semi Sweet Savage way. “Not everything has to come from us as captains,” Alexandra explains. “We love seeing our teammates take an idea and run with it. That’s when the magic happens.”
The memories that stick with them most are the ones filled with connection: crossing the finish line side by side, snapping a rain-soaked selfie that turned into a favorite photo, and that moment on race morning when they first spot their teammates in the crowd. “We’re here. We made it. We’re together,” Bryanna says with a smile. “And then, of course, we need hot chocolate.”
For the Semi Sweet Savages, it’s not just about running or fundraising—it’s about friendship, resilience, and building a community that lifts each other up.
So, be a little sweet, be a little savage, and make a difference by raising money for survivors of domestic violence.
Northeast Solar— Running for Community, Racing for Change
About seven years ago, one of our most dedicated team captains, Rusty Ingold, was just looking for a local 5K to run. “I didn’t know anything about the event or the organization,” he admits. “But after reading more and connecting the dots about it benefitting Safe Passage, I was immediately in.”
That spark quickly turned into something much bigger. As a coach of UMass Amherst’s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team and a long-time staff member at Northeast Solar, he saw an opportunity to bring his communities together around a shared purpose. “I decided to bridge those two groups and make a team,” he explains. “My family has also been very helpful with the fundraising efforts—it’s really become a full-team effort.”
Over the years, the team has grown into a tradition of its own. “If you’re on the Ultimate team, we expect you to show up—either by volunteering, cheering, walking, or racing,” he says. “And a team photo at the finish line? Mandatory.” Their energy on race day is matched by their deep commitment to the cause. “Northeast Solar, Brian Adams, and Morey Phippen have all been amazing donors to Safe Passage over the years. Supporting local nonprofits is just part of who we are.”
When asked why they come back year after year, his answer is clear: “Why wouldn’t you want to raise money for an organization like Safe Passage? The resources they provide to people in need are invaluable. If you’re in a position to help, support, or encourage others to give—why not? This is our community, and we need to support everyone in it who needs help.”
Their fundraising strategy is simple and effective: be bold, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask. “Reminders, as much as possible, are key! Family group chats, workplace emails, neighborhood message boards—I have zero shame for clogging your inbox,” he jokes. “Your enthusiasm for fundraising will naturally inspire others to do the same.”
For Northeast Solar, the most powerful moments always happen on race day. Whether it’s cheering each other on at the finish line, spotting someone in a fantastic costume, or powering through freezing temps—some years as low as 5 degrees—the shared experience is what makes it all worth it. “It’s fun and exciting, especially when you have a team to do it with.”
_________________________________________________
Team Ascendance — Dancing, Giving, and Growing Together
At Ascendance, community and youth leadership are at the heart of everything. What began as a small group of dancers, families, and friends has grown into one of the most spirited and youth-driven teams on the Hot Chocolate Run course. Each year, Team Ascendance brings movement, creativity, and heart to the event, dancing, cheering, and fundraising to support Safe Passage.
“We’ve watched the team grow, and it’s awesome,” says Kathryn Carpenter, who leads the studio’s community outreach. “It’s hands-down our favorite community event of the year. We can’t wait to surpass last year’s record and dance in the streets on December 7.”
Team Ascendance (and previously Team AIWA) has raised over $12,000 for Safe Passage, with participation from people of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. “Our team is unique because it represents every kind of person in our studio community,” says studio owner Laurel Anne Boyd. “Our teens love to make up dances along the route, and sometimes I choreograph a routine for our company members to perform during the race to keep spirits high and encourage runners. It’s all about bringing joy, energy, and the true spirit of community.”
For parent and top fundraiser Kate Kelly, the Hot Chocolate Run holds a deeper meaning. “I’m motivated to raise funds every year because I’m grateful to have had a safe home,” she shares. “Each year I walk in honor of someone surviving violence. The Hot Chocolate Run is an act of gratitude and community.”
Longtime team member Asante Gaffney Jiggetts adds, “Team AIWA holds the balance of community and survivorship joy, while honoring the struggle survivors walk. I’ve had deep conversations with other survivors along the route about what it took, and still takes, to heal. It’s an amazing experience.”
The heart of the team is its youth members, who bring excitement and connection to everything they do. “It’s become a family studio tradition,” says dancer Deryn Potter-Hewes. “I can’t wait to see the new mug each year.” Fellow dancer Mayu Nakamura agrees: “The event is so inviting, whether you’ve been here forever or just moved here, like me.”
For many, one of the most powerful moments comes at the finish line. “I remember one year I ran instead of walked,” recalls student Sylvia Beckwith Brown. “Seeing the rest of the team cheering near the end gave me the energy to give that final push. The energy is always amazing.”
Whether they are dancing along the route, donning fluffy boas, or flooding social media with fundraising messages, Team Ascendance embodies what the Hot Chocolate Run is all about: youth leadership, joy, gratitude, and community in motion.
_________________________________________________
Team Spotlight: Edwards Church — Walking in Faith, Running with Purpose
For longtime members Floyd Cheung and Ruth Griggs, the Hot Chocolate Run isn’t just an annual event—it’s a meaningful expression of their church’s mission. “There are many ways to worship,” Floyd reflects, “and walking or running in the Hot Chocolate Run can be part of that worship.”
The Edwards Church team has been part of the event for over a decade, and their commitment runs deep. When the team first realized the run would always fall on a Sunday, the church made a bold decision: move their Sunday service to Saturday. “We turned a potential conflict into something good,” Floyd explains. “That Saturday has become a little Advent party,” Ruth adds. “And the event is now on our church sign—it’s just part of who we are.”
What makes Team Edwards Church truly unique is how seamlessly the Run aligns with their values. “You are part of our mission,” Ruth says simply. “I cannot underestimate the importance of that. The work Safe Passage does is part of what we strive to support—being instruments of love and justice.”
Participation looks different for everyone—some run, some walk, some cheer from the church steps—but the sense of connection remains. “There’s no one way to participate,” Floyd says. “We might not all see each other during the event, but we feel a connection anyway.”
For Ruth, the joy of the day is in the community it brings together. “I meet friends at my house, we walk to the starting line, and we have brunch afterward. Some join the church team, some don’t, and that’s fine. However people want to participate—that flexibility is really important.”
When it comes to fundraising, they both credit the tools provided by Safe Passage, especially the email and Facebook templates. “It’s pretty magical,” Floyd says. “I set up my page, and voila—$10, $25, $50 comes in. It works.” Ruth adds, “I send out two or three emails, and often get more donations after I’ve already thanked people. The scripts make it so easy—I just personalize them.”
Their memories of the Run are filled with warmth, music, and a little silliness. Ruth lights up when she talks about the year the Expandable Brass Band played outside their sanctuary window during a prayer. “It was a sermon in and of itself,” she laughs. “This is Northampton. We can pray and have a brass band at the same time. It was just beautiful harmony.”
Floyd shares a more personal reflection: “I’ve loved watching my son grow up running with me. Lately he prefers to run with his friends, so I’ve been walking with my mom and my wife instead. It’s a family thing. And eventually, we always meet up with others on the church steps.”