The 4th Annual Evelyn Knapp “Run to Remember” : A Recap

Oh what a day it was, record cold temps, wind blasting in the open fields at 30+mph and the domino effect it presented. Thank you to the 90 “day of race’ registrants for waking up, feeling the conditions and deciding to come out to support Strength for Life and run. Record pre-registrants for the walk and run at 532 – kudos to you all – especially since 200 registered this last week knowing the weekly forecast.

This was an incredible 4^th Year event – the unofficial proceeds top $20000 – that goes a long way to help us with the FREE programs Strength for Life offers. With that incredible success there needs to be many many thanks shared.

Our sponsors – STARS Rehabilitation of East Meadow, Mather Hospital, Leon Chiropractic, North Suffolk Surgical, Hyatt Windwatch, Cassone Leasing, The Suffolk County Emerald Society Sal Agostinelli Baseball, Clayton Funeral Home.  Please visit our website www.strengthforlifeny.org for links to each sponsor’s website.  They deserve our patronage.

Our ‘inkind’ sponsors – Hint Water, Ginny Bakes, Modern Bakeries, Runner’s Edge, Sayville Running Shop, Popei’s Deer Park, Waterzooi, Cheesecake Factory, Croxley Ale House for products, prizes and gift raffles.

Our survivor fundraisers who went all out and collected over $7000. Our top fundraiser, Maryann Graham of Carle Place raised $2550 from friends and co-workers – that was incredible.  Thank you! In addition, with our sincere appreciation to Annette Deluca Gerani, Roseann Karasavas, Tina Kirsimae, Mattia Terranova, Marianne Walz.

And Denise Elf-Chapman, who has been a supporter from day one has matching contributions still coming. We had a lot of fun with the competitive nature of the Elf- Chapman family – with each additional donation outdoing the last.

And our friend, Harsha Padmanabhan, who has a personal success story of rehabilitation walked the walk proudly and had a host of New Jersey donors. Kudos!

The Green Vale Pacers, a gift since our inaugural run raised $1300 this year with an variety of fundraising events; and for the second year our youngest fundraiser Emma Thode who also raised $500 +, a stack of singles so thick – they were calling me ‘money bags’.

We were helped with promotions from Emma’s Dad Jeremy who had a score of soccer girls ready to help and run and he put it out to all the school teams.  Randstad, a recruiting company, shared our event with their clients to encourage corporate wellness and led by example with a large group of runners and walkers.  Cross Fit, Yaphank had their team training for a 5k run and promoted it throughout their facility.  Cross Fit shirts were emblazoned at the run.

So what havoc did the weather cause, the winds made it impossible for the heated tent, signage and even the timing clock to be erected.  The domino effect delayed the set of the pre-reg and packet pickup and the food.  We were using trucks to block the wind and the picnic tables in lieu of our ‘feather light’ folding tables.

Although we carefully mapped out an extension of the course to make it a 3.15 length – the chalk/paint lined arrows were obliterated and the front runners made a turn onto the established course and completely missed the extension.  At that point it was too late. The weather took a toll on our volunteers who may have been able to divert and omit the error – but it did not happen that way.  Our sincerest apologies to all who intended on completing a full 5k, the timing company adjusted the pace to reflect the shorter distance.  Next year the moat will be back in play and the original 5K course will be re-established.

Evelyn was known to push people out of their comfort zones – and that was experienced yesterday on many levels.

And special thanks to all the volunteers who froze their fingers, toes,  and other body parts so this run could take off!!! You 're the best!  We definitely could not have done it without your patience and efforts!!

Skyler Lattuca - Overall Male

Delaney Eichorn - Overall Female

Another special shout (seems like an inappropriate choice of words) out to the Choir from Holy Family; the Brownie Troop who had a 'zumba' warm up for the fun run and our friend Penni Niles who definitely warmed up the crowd pre-race, and our friend Donna Nesturek of Sound Healing Pathways for the interactive drum circle.  Donna came for the warm up and stayed for the whole event - seeing how the drum sounds helped calm the effects of the weather.

So many people to thank!  Blessings to all for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank you all for your continued support, we are able to help many more cancer patients/survivors challenge themselves and grow stronger with the money raised.

“Make today a great one.” ~ Evelyn Knapp