Runners Wanted this Sunday, June 12 Fundraising Run for Autism Education

Ellen Christie (516) 659-2652

Randy Horowitz (516) 216-5270

For Immediate Release

1st Fundraising Run for Autism Education

ELIJA Foundation welcomes all runners/walkers on a journey through Huntington, NY to promote health, wellness, and effective services for children and adults with Autism

Levittown, NY, June 6, 2016… The ELIJA Foundation is hosting its inaugural “just cAUse We Run for Autism 5 mile run” on Sunday, June 12 and all levels of runners, walkers, families and friends are invited. The fundraiser features a beautiful 5 mile race course through the scenic hills, water views and neighborhoods of Huntington Bay. The course is a sanctioned USA Track & Field event, and is being managed and staged by the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC). There will also be a 1 mile fun run/walk, entertainment for everyone to enjoy. All levels are welcome and families and friends are encouraged to participate.

Autism Spectrum Disorders affects an estimated one out of sixty eight children and their families nationwide, and guesstimates on Long Island are higher. The ELIJA Foundation and School is a not-for-profit organization supporting children with Autism, their families, educators, and professionals in and around Long Island. We provide children with severe Autism an individualized, intensive, scientifically validated education. Our mission is to facilitate independent growth and personal achievement by creating appropriate opportunities to learn and become contributing, interactive members of communities. Unfortunately effective programs are cost-prohibitive for many families, and young adults with Autism face a lack of services and lack of meaningful life and work opportunities. Funds raised from the Run for ELIJA will support our educational programs and specifically those for young adults transitioning out of formal education. We thank our generous sponsors of the Run for ELIJA: Capitol One Merchant Services; SCARAN; Air Design Inc; Thivierge & Rothberg, PC; Panera Bread Café; Super Stop and Shop; Honest Tea; Super Runner’s Shop; Miller’s Ale House; Customteez; and Different Roads.

WHAT: just CAUse We Run Journey for Autism, Five-Mile Run for ELIJA. Fun Run and Run/Walk through scenic Huntington Bay. All registrants receive dri-fit shirt, back-pack of goodies, post-run picnic.

WHEN: Sunday, June 12, 8:00 AM

WHERE: Start and Finish--Flower Hill Primary School, 98 Flower Hill Road, Halesite, NY

HOW: Register online https://events.hakuapp.com/elija2016 OR in person day-of before 8:00 AM only. Fees: $11- $30 (Registrants can also pick up packets June 11 @ Super Runner’s Shop, 355 New York Avenue, Huntington from 12:00 - 5:00 pm) Registrant Amenities: Top quality sleeveless dri-fit shirts, post-run picnic, back-pack of goodies, chance for placement awards and raffle prizes by entry number. All 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM Fun Run finishers receive medals and live entertainment by The School of Rock Band. On-site race announcer is the “voice of long island running,” Terry Bisogno. The 5-Mile Run Award Categories: Top Male and Female Overall and Masters, Top 3 Male & Female in Age Groups: 14 & under; 15‑19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; and 85 plus, Top 3 Male & Female Wheelchair athletes, Top 3 Male Clydesdales 185-199 lbs.; 200plus lbs.; Top 3 Female Athena’s 140-159 lbs.; 160plus lbs.

PRESS NOTE With good weather we expect 500 people, including elected officials. Parking challenging; consider arriving EARLY. Map of run route: https://www.elija.org/events/view/ELIJA-Run-2016-06-12/

ABOUT ELIJA: ELIJA is a progressive not-for-profit organization in Levittown, New York. Founded in 2002, we provide educational training to parents and professionals who live and work with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Please consider donating to help our work, following us on Twitter and Facebook and visiting us at https://www.elija.org/

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