CPAs 4(a): Cause 5K Run/Walk to Benefit Island Harvest

The Nassau Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) will be hosting the 11^th annual Ellen Gordon CPAs 4(a): Cause 5K Run/Walk to End Hunger at Wantagh Park on June 16.

The Nassau Chapter of the NYSSCPA donates all proceeds from the race to Island Harvest, the largest hunger relief organization in Long Island. Island Harvest volunteers and staff “rescue,” or collect, good surplus food from over 800 local restaurants, caterers, farms, and other food-related businesses; and distribute it to a network of close to 570 soup kitchens, food pantries, and other places where those in need can access it.

“Our 2011 event raised in excess of $11,000 and more than 200 individual participants. For 2012, corporate sponsorship has been exceedingly generous,” said Ray Floch, treasurer for the event.  Chapter Past President, Ronald Finkelstein is hoping for an increase in this year’s individual participation. “If the weather is good on race day, we hope to have more than 250 participants.”

The annual race is named in the memory of Ellen Gordon, an active member of the Nassau NYSSCPA chapter who helped organize the first charitable run/walk event. Gordon passed away in 2008 after battling breast cancer. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. Those attending the race are asked to use the Wantagh Park entrance located on Merrick Road (Parking Field #1). Advanced registration is $20 per participant. The cost for those registering on the day of the race is $25. Participants can register online at active.com or download the form from the Island Harvest web site.

The race will be officially timed by Island Timing LLC. Participants and spectators can enjoy refreshments, food, music and raffle gifts. Trophies will be presented for the top three overall male and female finishers and the top three finishers in each age category. All children under 14 years old will receive ribbons.