This weekend's gloomy weather could not dampen spirits at a fundraiser in South Burlington, where Empty Arms Vermont held its annual 5K run and walk in Veterans Memorial Park. The organization provides a range of peer support to families across Vermont who lost babies to miscarriages, stillbirths, early infant death, or pregnancy termination due to medical reasons."The purpose of this event is to really uplift the compassion and connection that we have as a community," said Chelsea Levis, the co-founder and executive director of Empty Arms Vermont. "When you walk with each other through hard and joyous times, you are all better off together."Levis said Saturday morning's strong turnout should send a message that compassion and comfort are available and that no one should have to experience their grief in silence."They're not alone," Levis said of families served by Empty Arms Vermont. "They're not alone. But because we don't talk about it as often as we should, people feel alone. But one of the reasons we hold this event is for family and friends to come together and to not feel isolated and to feel really well-supported"Levis said Empty Arms Vermont raised nearly $50,000 through the 5K event. More information about the organization's virtual support groups and other offerings can be found on its website. Related video: Empty Arms Vermont offers support after miscarriage or other lossesRelated video: Lawmaker voices support for nonprofit

This weekend's gloomy weather could not dampen spirits at a fundraiser in South Burlington, where Empty Arms Vermont held its annual 5K run and walk in Veterans Memorial Park.

The organization provides a range of peer support to families across Vermont who lost babies to miscarriages, stillbirths, early infant death, or pregnancy termination due to medical reasons.

"The purpose of this event is to really uplift the compassion and connection that we have as a community," said Chelsea Levis, the co-founder and executive director of Empty Arms Vermont. "When you walk with each other through hard and joyous times, you are all better off together."

Levis said Saturday morning's strong turnout should send a message that compassion and comfort are available and that no one should have to experience their grief in silence.

"They're not alone," Levis said of families served by Empty Arms Vermont. "They're not alone. But because we don't talk about it as often as we should, people feel alone. But one of the reasons we hold this event is for family and friends to come together and to not feel isolated and to feel really well-supported"

Levis said Empty Arms Vermont raised nearly $50,000 through the 5K event. More information about the organization's virtual support groups and other offerings can be found on its website.

Related video: Empty Arms Vermont offers support after miscarriage or other losses