300+ Supporters Make Great Strides in Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley's Annual Walk/Run for Wishes

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. - Nov. 8, 2016 - PRLog -- More than 300 supporters from all walks of life throughout the region  joined in a day of camaraderie and hope at Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley's 11^th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Wishes, held recentlyat

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown Heights.

In so doing, they helped to raise close to $90,000, bringing to a dramatic conclusion the chapter's 30^th anniversary celebration. 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.

As in the past, the life-affirming and inspiring grass-roots 5K Walk/Run for Wishes fund raiser 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 life affirming and festive 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 30^th anniversary campaign year," said Thomas J. Conklin, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley, adding: "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."

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."

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 Better Business Bureau accredited charity and has met all of the 20 Better Business Bureau's Standards for Charity Accountability. The Chapter serves Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.