HRC Fitness Of Hillsborough Raises Over $10,000 For GiGi's Playhouse With 5K Run/Walk

Submitted by Maryann Comiskey

HRC Fitness had the distinct honor of working with Erin Morris, President of GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough to raise funds to assist with opening a Down Syndrome Achievement Center here in Hillsborough.

HRC staff hosted its first annual 5K Run/Walk and Dash for Down syndrome in the beautiful Fall weather on Sunday, October 12, 2014 turning out an unexpected 300 plus participants of all ages. Sponsorship and event donations totaled about $10,000 which is being used to support the opening of GiGi’s Playhouse, opening soon in Town Center II in Hillsborough.

The day began with the 5K Run and Walk at 9am with the race start announced by Mayor Tomson and the top finisher, 15 year old, Tyler Baum from Hillsborough, crossed the finish line 19 minutes, 25 seconds later. Other top finishers from the area included David Fogelsong, Gary D’Tomas, Courtney Newman, Cassandra Rippel, and Amy Williams.

Following the 5k run and walk GiGi’s Playhouse Hillsborough hosted their first annual Dash for Down Syndrome. Nearly 60 children, teens and young adults ran in a short distance race to raise awareness and acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. In the spirit of GiGi’s Playhouse offering free programs to their families, the Dash for Down Syndrome was also a fun and free event. Participants were met at the finish line with a medal and lots of cheers from the Hillsborough Jr. Raider Gems and the Somerset Patriots mascot, Sparkee.

Later in the afternoon, HRC Fitness continued on with a Fall Festival , enjoyed by hundreds, which included games, activities, and blowups for the kids, a haunted studio, live broadcast by 94.5 PST, food, sweets, fitness demos, and live music by Tastes Like Chicken Band. HRC Fitness would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, and festival participants for helping to make this inaugural event a successful and memorable day! Included in our local and national sponsors and donors are Rotary International, Pepsi/Frito-Lay, Starbucks, Loumarc Signs, Van Cleef Engineering, Country Classics, Hillsborough Podiatry, Somerset Marine, Hillsborough Massage Therapy, Bentley Jewelers, Jumbo Palace, Wegman’s, Belle Mead Orthodontics, U-LACE, Petrocks, LJ’s Boardwalk, Global Garage and Flooring, MB Home Improvements, Elite Sales Recruiting, Apex Printing, Daniel Marulli, Barbara Graham, Mailbox Business Center, Tender Lovin Grill, 5 Guys, Heavenly Sweets, Angelo’s Pizzeria, Roadrunner Sports, and Smoothie King.

About HRC Fitness

HRC Fitness is Hillsborough’s premier family fitness center, encompassing 28,000 square feet of fitness services including Cardio and Weight Training, Racquetball, Group Fitness, Personal Training, Swimming, Dance, Martial Arts, Parties, and Summer Camp with fitness and recreation opportunities for the whole family. Learn more at www.hrcfitness.com.

About GiGi’s Playhouse

GiGi’s Playhouse, Down Syndrome Awareness Centers, provide resources, specialized teaching and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. With 17 locations nationwide and more in the process of opening, GiGi’s is committed to the important mission of spreading positive and accurate information about Down syndrome through education. Learn more at www.gigisplayhouse.org/hillsborough.