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Proceeds totaling $143,500 were distributed to 15 different Long Island veteran organizations thanks to fundraising through last year’s Catholic Health Services-sponsored Suffolk County Marathon.
The check was presented by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone in front of press assembled outside of Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip on Wednesday.
“[Catholic Health Services does] an incredible amount to support the veterans in this community and across this island and in our region,” said Bellone.
One of the groups that received an award was a nonprofit organization from West Islip called Make it Count. That name might ring a bell to locals after GreaterBayShore’s coverage of a recent project where Make it Count transformed a kitchen and bathroom in Brightwaters for a veteran and his family.
Catholic Health Services representatives state how thrilled they were to help benefit organizations like Make it Count.
“This event gives us the opportunity to support the veterans who put their lives at risk to keep us safe and it’s a real honor for us,” said CHS’s CEO, Dr. Alan Guerci.
For the third straight year, the Catholic Health Services will serve as title sponsor for the Suffolk County Marathon, which is on Oct. 29.
The upcoming race will feature an all-new, 10-person medical bike unit that will operate between check-points for safety precaution throughout the event.
During his remarks, Bellone reiterated how pleased he was with the growth of the run, which has already registered participants from as far away as Guam and Great Britain for 2017.
“The Suffolk County Marathon has gone international and we are very proud of that fact,” he said.
As an initiative to grow the marathon, there will be a virtual race for those who can’t attend the marathon, which begins and ends in Patchogue Village. Racers can sign up online, track their distance, and upon completion even win a medal and T-shirt.
“This is 21st century marathon running,” Bellone said.
The Greater Long Island Running Club, which helps organize the race, was also on hand to showcase a new race medal for those who complete both the Long Island Marathon and Suffolk County Marathon.
There is also a half marathon, 5k, and relay race that are available to sign up.
Top: Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone holding the $143,500 check raised for veterans along side colleagues, veterans, nonprofit groups and Catholic Health Services.
