Remembering Colleen Ritzer With Acts of Kindness

On May 13th, which would have been Colleen Ritzer's 32nd birthday, her family, friends, and the community are honoring her memory. The beloved Danvers High School math teacher was known for her positivity and kindness. Pink “Inspire Kindness” yard signs can be seen this month around Andover, where Colleen grew up. They include the hashtag #Kindness4Colleen which can be used on social media when sharing acts of kindness done in her memory.

Andover Youth Services is holding a special rock-painting program at the Cormier Youth Center on Colleen’s birthday. Rocks will be painted pink – Colleen's favorite color – with messages to inspire love and kindness. The decorated pieces will be placed next to a nearby bench dedicated in her honor in Andover's Central Park.

Colleen’s Pink Daisies, which are grown each year at Konjoian's Greenhouses & Landscape Solutions in Andover by Michael Konjoian, Tom Ritzer (Colleen’s father), and family friends, sold out this year. Many people purchased them as Mother’s Day or Teacher Appreciation Week gifts. Proceeds from the daisies benefit 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.

Local businesses including Mad Maggie’s Ice Cream, Pipe Dream Cupcakes, and McDonald’s are also hosting fundraisers this month in honor of Colleen’s birthday.

The Step Up for Colleen 5K, which is traditionally held in May, has been moved to Sunday, September 19, 2021. Before the global pandemic cancelled the 2020 event, the walk/run was attracting well over 3,000 registrants each year, creating a “sea of pink” in Andover. The event has won several "Best of the North Shore" (BONS) awards from Northshore Magazine in recent years.

"Registration will open soon, and planning is underway to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for attendees, volunteers, and sponsors,” says race director Nina Caron. Sponsorships are available by contacting Eileen Rullo at sponsorships@stepupforcolleen.com.

More information about the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund can be found at colleenritzer.org.