Community Rallies to Break Eden Autism 5k and Fun Run Fundraising Record
Princeton, NJ, July 27, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Eden Autism Services’ 8th annual Eden Autism 5k Race and 1-Mile Fun Run, sponsored by Munich Re, took place on July 17th and broke last year’s fundraising record with $125,000 in net proceeds.
Held at the Princeton Forrestal Village, the morning was filled with plenty of fun and entertainment, including music, games and prizes from NJ 101.5 FM, a visit from Wawa mascot “Wally the Goose,” an Apple iPad raffle and much more.
Both the 5K and the Fun Run began with a shotgun start. Race Director, Curt Emmich of Princeton Forrestal Center, and the Eden Autism 5K committee did a fantastic job organizing the many runners, walkers, volunteers and guests who attended the event. Emmich 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 thanked the crowd and Munich Re. He stated that in addition to its corporate sponsorship of the race, the Munich Re employees, through various fundraising efforts, raised more than $20,000.
Pina Albo, President of the Reinsurance Division of Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., addressed the 5K runners just prior to the start of the race. “Eden's mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism, which affects an estimated 1 in 110 people nationwide. While there is no cure, there are treatable solutions. Individuals with autism can learn to lead fulfilling and productive lives as contributing members of society, and Eden helps achieve this through valuable educational, residential and employment programs, and so much more. For this reason, Munich Re has been a proud supporter of Eden for over two decades and title sponsor of the Eden Autism 5K for the past three years,” said Albo.
The first place male finisher was 38 year old Casanova Alig of Princeton, NJ. He ran the course in 17 minutes 20 seconds. The first place female finisher was 19 year old Lara Shegoski of Belle Mead, NJ. She ran the course in 19 minutes 34 seconds. Both overall winners received trophies and $100 gift certificates.
Eden Adult Services participant, 26 year old Chris Dougherty of Howell, NJ, received an award for being the first Eden participant finisher. He ran the race in 33 minutes 09 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 fourth consecutive year, the Windrows Wonders have participated in the Eden Fun Run. This year, more than 100 residents and staff supported the event through donations and registrations and raised $6,000.
Eden Autism Services provides early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Eden is a national center of excellence, which was founded in 1975. Eden's services extend throughout the United States with operations in Southwest Florida. For more information about Eden visit www.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook and Twitter.
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Held at the Princeton Forrestal Village, the morning was filled with plenty of fun and entertainment, including music, games and prizes from NJ 101.5 FM, a visit from Wawa mascot “Wally the Goose,” an Apple iPad raffle and much more.
Both the 5K and the Fun Run began with a shotgun start. Race Director, Curt Emmich of Princeton Forrestal Center, and the Eden Autism 5K committee did a fantastic job organizing the many runners, walkers, volunteers and guests who attended the event. Emmich 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 thanked the crowd and Munich Re. He stated that in addition to its corporate sponsorship of the race, the Munich Re employees, through various fundraising efforts, raised more than $20,000.
Pina Albo, President of the Reinsurance Division of Munich Reinsurance America, Inc., addressed the 5K runners just prior to the start of the race. “Eden's mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism, which affects an estimated 1 in 110 people nationwide. While there is no cure, there are treatable solutions. Individuals with autism can learn to lead fulfilling and productive lives as contributing members of society, and Eden helps achieve this through valuable educational, residential and employment programs, and so much more. For this reason, Munich Re has been a proud supporter of Eden for over two decades and title sponsor of the Eden Autism 5K for the past three years,” said Albo.
The first place male finisher was 38 year old Casanova Alig of Princeton, NJ. He ran the course in 17 minutes 20 seconds. The first place female finisher was 19 year old Lara Shegoski of Belle Mead, NJ. She ran the course in 19 minutes 34 seconds. Both overall winners received trophies and $100 gift certificates.
Eden Adult Services participant, 26 year old Chris Dougherty of Howell, NJ, received an award for being the first Eden participant finisher. He ran the race in 33 minutes 09 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 fourth consecutive year, the Windrows Wonders have participated in the Eden Fun Run. This year, more than 100 residents and staff supported the event through donations and registrations and raised $6,000.
Eden Autism Services provides early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Eden is a national center of excellence, which was founded in 1975. Eden's services extend throughout the United States with operations in Southwest Florida. For more information about Eden visit www.edenautism.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook and Twitter.
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Contact
Eden Autism Services
Aileen Kornblatt
609-426-8656
www.edenautism.org
Aileen Kornblatt
609-426-8656
www.edenautism.org
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