Eden Autism 5K and Fun Run Sponsored by Munich Re Breaks Fundraising Record

The 7th Annual Eden Autism 5K and Fun Run sponsored by Munich Re took place on July 18, 2010 and broke the event's fundraising record by raising more than $80,000 in net proceeds.

Plainsboro, NJ, July 25, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Eden Autism Services’ 7th annual Eden Autism 5k Race and 1-Mile Fun Run, sponsored by Munich Re, took place this past Sunday and broke its fundraising record with more than $80,000 in net proceeds.

Held at the Princeton Forrestal Village, the morning was filled with plenty of fun and entertainment, including a martial arts demonstration by students from Can Do Fitness and a performance by children’s entertainer Mr. Ray. Both the 5K and the Fun Run began with a shotgun start fired off by Plainsboro Mayor Peter Cantu. Race Director, Curt Emmich of Princeton Forrestal Center, did a fantastic job organizing the many runners, walkers, volunteers and guests who attended the event. He thanked the many individuals and companies who sponsored the race and/or provided in-kind donations or donated items for the raffle.

“We are extremely grateful to all those who contributed to help make this race a success,” says Emmich. “Thanks to our generous community we have exceeded last year’s record breaking proceeds.”

Dr. Tom McCool, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services also thanked the crowd and especially the employees of Munich Re who, through various fundraising efforts, raised more than $14,000 for the race. McCool introduced Munich Reinsurance America’s President & CEO, Tony Kuczinski, whose leadership, vision and corporate citizenship has taken this race to new levels. “We are honored to be part of the Eden Autism 5K race,” said Kuczinski. “Thank you to all who participated in the race and thanks to all of the employees and interns of Munich Re who helped us raise significant dollars for this very important cause.” He continued to speak of the necessity of raising money and awareness for autism and informed the crowd that the latest statistics indicate that autism occurs in 1 in 110 births. This is Munich Re’s second year as primary sponsor of the event and is largely credited with the event’s increase in participation and dollars raised.

The first place male finisher was 23 year old Stephen Young of Edgewater Park, NJ. He ran the course in 16 minutes 18 seconds. The first place female finisher was 45 year old Kathleen Rocker of Metuchen, NJ. She ran the course in 20 minutes 02 seconds. Both overall winners received trophies and $100 gift certificates.

Eden Adult Services participant, 25 year old Chris Dougherty of Howell, NJ, received an award for being the first Eden participant finisher. He ran the race in 30 minutes 32 seconds. Dougherty is employed through one of Eden’s adult employment centers. Also participating in the event, were the Windrows Wonders. The Windrows Wonders are a team of walkers from the Princeton Windrows, a retirement independent living community located in Princeton adjacent to Princeton Forrestal Village. For the third consecutive year, the Windrows Wonders have participated in the Eden Fun Run. This year, 90 residents and staff supported the event through donations and registrations and have raised nearly $4,000. Additionally, 51 residents signed up for the Fun Run including 94 year old Reverend Samuel Moffett.

Since 1975, Eden Autism Services has been a national center of excellence serving children and adults with autism and the families and professionals who care for them through early intervention, education, employment training, and residential programs. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Eden's services extend throughout the US with a satellite operation in Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.edenautismservices.org or call (609) 987-0099.

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Eden Autism Services
Aileen Kornblatt
609-426-8656
www.edenautismservices.org
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