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LIMA 5K Run for Veterans Hits New Heights
More Than 2,000 Register for Third Annual Race
Mother Nature may have rained on the parade just a little, but even that couldn’t dampen the spirit of the record-breaking 2,004 registered runners, volunteers, sponsors and fans who came out to show their support for the Third Annual LIMA 5K Run for Veterans at Long Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) today. Town of Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin-Weichbrodt, the master of ceremonies, was joined by John Cochrane and Airport Commissioner Teresa Rizzuto in an opening ceremony that featured the Coast Guard Color Guard and a performance by the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
“Once again, the LIMA 5K has become one of the largest, most successful races in our area,” said Islip Town Supervisor Tom Croci. “Participants enjoyed a course unlike any other, and can be sure that their contribution will help those in need.”
Sponsored by NBTY Helping Hands and presented by the Town of Islip, the event raises funds for 9-1-1 Veterans, a local charity that helps support returning military veterans.
The first two LIMA 5K Run for Veteran events helped raise over $125,000 for local military personnel in need of support after returning home from tours of duty. Thanks to NBTY’s generosity in covering the costs of 9-1-1 Veterans for the next three years, even more of the money raised will go directly towards helping returning veterans with a wide variety of needs.
“All of us at NBTY Helping Hands are proud to sponsor the LIMA 5K Run,” said Jim Flaherty, Senior Vice President and Director of NBTY Helping Hands. “Long Island 9-1-1 Veterans is a wonderful organization dedicated to assisting veterans on Long Island who truly need our help.
“In addition to sponsoring the run, we work hand-in-hand with Long Island 9-1-1 Veterans throughout the year, supporting their fundraising efforts and covering their annual administrative expenses, so they can continue to serve those Americans who have bravely served our country.”
Headquartered in the Town of Islip, NBTY Helping Hands, was one of a number of local sponsors, including several that are located on the airport grounds: Southwest Airlines, HMS Host, Excelaire, Sheltair, Mid-Island Aviation, The Paradies Gift Shops and A&P Aircraft Maintenance among others.
The Make It Count Foundation, a first-time sponsor of the 5K Run for Veterans, announced the local winner of a home renovation worth $10,000. “The Make it Count Foundation is setting an example for the rest of us to follow,” said Croci. Their work is truly inspiring, and we cannot thank them enough for their devotion to our community.”
The run at LIMA was also the first in the annual Sayville Summer Series, a five-race challenge that includes The Keith Nintzel Memorial 5K (June 9), Shwachman-Diamond Dash for a Cure 5k (June 16), Race to Cure Cystic Fibrosis 4 Mile Run (July 29) and Sayville Summerfest Hon. John Cohalan 4 Mile Run (Aug. 4)
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