An estimated 400 participants raised more than $60,000 at the 15th Annual 5K Walk/Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care, which was held on Sept. 23.
“As we kick off the 15th year of the 5K Walk/Run, I’m reminded of how this event started as a small celebration of the Center for Cancer Care’s first year,” said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. “We built the Center in response to the expressed demand of Valley residents for comprehensive and comforting cancer treatment close to home. The Center for Cancer Care – and Griffin Health as a whole – is dedicated to providing exceptional care that not only improves the health of our community, it also enriches lives by focusing on the social determinants of health such as income, housing, transportation and education. Just as the participants in the first 5K Walk/Run selflessly gave their time and contributions, today, you become an integral part of Griffin’s responsibility in improving the well-being of others.”
The event featured awards for the top individual fundraiser and top team fundraiser selected from the 23 teams. The winner of the William C. Powanda Memorial Award for the top fundraiser was Elizabeth Laden, of Orange. Lou’s Legacy, which has participated in the event for 10 years in memory of Louise “Lou” Chmura won the Team Synergy Award as the top fundraising team. Fran Kennedy, of North Branford, was the winner of the Make It Happen Spirit Award, which recognizes an individual who exhibits tireless effort and support for the event.
The Walk/Run was sponsored by Jefferson Radiology, All About You, D’Addario Auto Group of Shelton, Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut, Stelray Plastic Products, AstraZeneca, Coordinated Transportation Solutions, Rand Whitney, Teamsters Local Union 1150, Valley Community Foundation, ACI Flooring, Drs. Sudipta and Bindu Dey, Ion Bank, Forest Construction, OEM Controls, McKesson Federal Credit Union, Smilow Cancer Hospital and Regional Water Authority.
Donations are still being accepted at griffinhealth.org/5k or via mail to The Griffin Development Fund, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418.