POUGHKEEPSIE – More than 400 runners toured parts of Dutchess and Ulster Counties on Saturday night while participating in the inaugural MJN Convention Center “Chasing Daylight” 5K. The run, featuring participants of all ages and abilities, raised more than $10,000 for area non-profits, according to President Zeidan Nesheiwat. He noted the event was designed to “shine a light on the Hudson Valley’s non-profits and the communities they serve.”
“The Mid-Hudson Civic Center, parent of the MJN Convention Center and McCann Ice Arena, is a non-profit organization that is very aware of the struggles facing all non-profits given the current economy,” Nesheiwat told . “Our staff contemplated the 5K as a fundraiser to help others, presented a feasible plan, and it was approved. Based on the turnout and money raised for the community, it was a great idea.”
With mild temps and clear skies, runners registered at the MJN on Saturday before heading to the eastern pavilion of the Walkway Over the Hudson for the start of the race.
When the race started, the runners ran across the Walkway into the Town of Lloyd, returned to Dutchess County on the Mid-Hudson Bridge, then ran up Rinaldi Boulevard to Main Street, and finally up the Main Street hill to the MJN Convention Center for the finish. After crossing the finish line, where several friends, families, and supporters cheered them on, the runners received medals and posed for pictures before cooling down and heading to the after-party inside the MJN.
Inside, several non-profit organizations were present to explain what they do and to thank those who ran for their benefit. There was a live DJ, games, and raffles for everyone to enjoy late into the evening.
Nesheiwat explained the format of the fundraiser as “Running for a Purpose,” which allowed the registrants to select one of the several non-profits and have their money benefit that specific organization.
The organizations benefiting from the $12,900 raised by the “Chasing Daylight 5K”:
TOP THREE BENEFICIARIES:
- Family Services Inc: $5000
- Mental Health America (MHA Dutchess) $3000
- Dutchess Outreach $1000
Other organizations benefiting from the run:
- Anderson Center for Autism
- MHA Dutchess Vet2Vet
- Hudson Valley Hospice
- Miles of Hope
- Mid Hudson Civic Center
A runner crossing the finish line at the MJN Convention Center
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