Sunnyside Post Mile Draws More Than 500 Runners, Raises $10,500

Photo: QueensPost

June 1, 2015 Staff Report

Hundreds of runners turned out Sunday to participate in the inaugural Sunnyside Post Mile.

The event, which was held to raise funds for the Coalition for the Homeless, drew more than 500 runners and wound up raising a net total of $10,500.

The mile walk/run began near the corner of 43^rd Street/Skillman and went down to Barnett Avenue over to 50th Street, before finishing at Skillman Ave near 44th Street.

“It was a great out turnout and we raised more than we ever expected,” said Leonor White, who organized the race. “I thought the community did a great job in coming together to support this cause and I would like to thank our sponsors for helping to bring it together.”

White said she was encouraged by the range of participants– from seniors to young children, to mothers pushing strollers, to dogs. “This event reminds me how great it is to live in such an amazing and supportive community,” she said.

She also appreciated the support of Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, State Sen. Mike Gianaris and Community Board 2 chair Pat O’Brien.

White also thanked the Sunnyside Post for promoting the event, recruiting sponsors and getting the word out through posters, fliers and its news site.

The winner of the men’s event was Jerry Faulkner from Sunnyside, followed by Scott Bartucca (Jackson Heights) and Kevin Montalvo (Jackson Heights). The winner of the women’s race was Talia Kohn from Sunnyside, followed by Catherine Meadows and Amy Roberts (Astoria).

“It’s great to see Sunnyside come out in support for the homeless,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who noted that his family was once homeless and was in a shelter. “We will never walk away from the homeless.”

Van Bramer ran in the event—so too did his husband, Dan Hendrick, two sisters and brother in law. Four of his staff members also participated. Van Bramer’s mother was there for encouragement.

Several local businesses supported the cause—such as Sunnyside Post, Bar 43, Dog and Duck, Merit Real Estate, Welcome Home Real Estate, The Skillman Project and Coffeed.

“These sponsors made the event happen,” White reiterated. “We’re very, very grateful.”

The full list of sponsors: Sunnyside Post, Bar 43, The Dog and Duck, Merit Real Estate, Welcome Home Real Estate, The Skillman Project, Coffeed, Associated, Food Universe, Fresh n Save, Skillman Pets, Extreme Martial Arts, Maggie Mae’s, Woodside on the Move, Claret, Sunnyside Reform Church, Copper Kettle, The Globe Tavern and Courtyard Ale House.