Make A Wish Supporters to Make Great Strides for Hudson Valley Kids at 5K Walk/Run, Oct. 30

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Sept. 13, 2016 - PRLog -- The race is on for President of the U.S. as well as for thousands of runners from around the world who are training for the New York Marathon—two events that will capture the headlines the first week in November. But, there is a third and very important finish line that will be crossed sooner at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights on Sunday, October 30.

That is when supporters hope to make great strides in Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley's 11^th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Wishes by raising $100,000. In so doing, they will bring to a dramatic conclusion the chapter's 30^th anniversary celebration and goal granting the pending wishes of more than 160 local kids who are battling cancer, sickle cell disease, Hodgkin's Disease, acute leukemia, and other life-threatening medical conditions

As in the past, the life-affirming and inspiring grass-roots fund raiser will draw a wide range of supporters from throughout the region including Wish kids, families, local businesses, organizations, community leaders, schools and individuals in a day of camaraderie and hope.

The event (which will be held rain or shine) will start with registration at 8:30 AM, continue with the Walk/Run at 10 AM and conclude about 12:30 PM with an awards ceremony. The awards will be presented by special guest and Celebrity Event Chairman Mike Bennett of WHUD's Mike and Kacey in the Morning who will emcee the day's event.

"This will be the grand finale to what has been a highly successful 30^th anniversary campaign year," said Thomas J. Conklin, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley, adding: "We are confident that the tremendous generosity by our family of loyal and new supporters will help raise the funds necessary to ensure a wish for every eligible child."

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 is so vitally important. It's the collective generosity—from individuals to corporate sponsors—that make it possible for us to fulfill our mission."

Participants can register online in advance and also make a donation to a team or other participant.  In addition, the chapter offers sponsorship opportunities ranging from $250 to $3,000. For more information about how to become a sponsor and the benefits of supporting one of the most highly regarded causes and aligning with one of America's most respected brands, contact Tara Thorne: tthorne@hudson.wish.org, (914) 478-9474.

The 5K Walk/Run for Wishes is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the event.

About Make-A-Wish ^® Hudson Valley

Make-A-Wish® grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception in 1986, the chapter has granted wishes to over 2,500 children in the communities it serves. The wish experience is a combined community effort involving volunteers, staff, donors and medical professionals to make each wish come true. The Chapter is a proud participant of the Better Business Bureau Charity Seal Program, which indicates that the organization has met the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. The Chapter serves Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. The organization is currently working on 160 wishes with the average cash cost of a wish ranging from $7,500 to $10,000.