Health & Fitness
Bellone Welcomes LI Cares to Suffolk Marathon Expo
The Food Bank Will Collect Donations for Veterans at the Expo
County Executive Steve Bellone recently announced that the CHS Suffolk County Marathon has partnered with Long Island Cares Inc. to collect food donations for veterans at the Oct. 28-Oct. 29 Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo.
“We welcome this opportunity to expand our efforts for veterans,” County Executive Steve Bellone said. “While the race itself is a fundraiser for veterans services here in Suffolk County, Long Island Cares will add another level of support for those who serve and protect our freedom. We owe this support to those who have sacrificed so much, and we are glad to give it.”
Net proceeds from the race will be awarded to agencies and organizations who serve Suffolk County veterans. Last year’s race raised $160,000 to support local veterans.
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Paule Pachter, Long Island Cares CEO said, “We’re looking forward to partnering with County Executive Bellone to accept donations of non-perishable food prior to the Suffolk County Marathon. All of the donations will be provided to programs supporting our veterans, military personnel and their families here on Long Island.”
Non-perishable foods, such as canned goods, pastas, and ready-to-eat foods, and beverages, as well as household and personal care items, pet food, baby care and other goods are the donations that are most needed.
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The Expo is scheduled for the Patchogue Family YMCA, 255 West Main Street, Patchogue, from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
“Runners are caring and giving people,” Mike Polansky, president of the Greater Long Island Running Club, said. “The opportunity for runners to bring food, household and personal items to the marathon to be distributed to veterans is one more way that runners can show their support for our veterans.”
The Expo is free and open to the public and residents, spectators, runners, friends, and family are invited to attend.
Registered runners must pick up their race packet, which includes their race numbers and timing chips, at the Marathon’s Sports and Fitness Expo. Friends and family members will be permitted to pick up packets for registered runners.
Late registrants will be able to sign up for the race at the Sports and Fitness Expo on both Friday and Saturday. For more information about the race and expo, see http://www.suffolkmarathon.com
