Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley Walk, Run Raises Close to $90K

GREENBURGH, NY — More than 300 people participated in theMake-A-Wish® Hudson Valley’s 11th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Wishes, held recently at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights.

The close to $90,000 they raised brought to a conclusion the chapter’s 30th anniversary celebration, according to organizers.

The year-long campaign was aimed at helping to grant wishes for children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. The chapter is currently working on more than 160 pending wishes, a spokesman said.

As in the past, the 5K Walk/Run for Wishes fundraiser drew a wide range of supporter including Wish Kids, families, local businesses, organizations, community leaders, schools and individuals.

Celebrity Event Chairman Mike Bennett of WHUD’s Mike and Kacey in the Morning again emceed the event.

Joe Capobiano of White Plains was recognized for raising the most funds by an individual while Beck’s Buddies led by Team Captain Janet Beck of White Plains earned the honor as the top team. Tomkins Mahopac Bank raised the most funds by a company.

“This was truly a grand finale to a highly successful 30th anniversary campaign year,” said Thomas J. Conklin, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley.

“I express heartfelt appreciation to the tremendous generosity by our family of loyal and new supporters who helped raise the funds necessary to help us bring hope, strength and joy to every eligible kid,” he said.

The chapter serves eight counties: Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

Since it was established in 1986, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley “has helped bring hope, strength and joy to more than 2,500 children ranging in age from 2 ½ to 18 and their families,” Conklin stated, adding: “The average cash cost of granting a wish ranges from $7,500 to $10,000 which is why this campaign was so vitally important. It’s the collective generosity—from individuals to corporate sponsors—that make it possible for us to fulfill our mission.”

Photo caption: Student volunteers from Mercy College of Dobbs Ferry. Photo credit: Copyright Rana Raure.