Last Saturday was a beautiful fall day as runners and Rotarian gathered in the beauty of Springfield's jewel: Forest Park. Jack Toner, coordinator of our Club's Harvest 8K benefit run had "left it all on the field." as sports journalists like to say. The course was planned and certified, timing services were in place, the sponsors were secured, the promotion was generated at running clubs and running stores and other races across the valley--even on 22News. Thirty-two runners turned out--- enough to make the event competitive for the runners and a success for our Club.
Members of the Club turned out in support of the work done by Jack, Rotarian and former Club President Steve Jablonski and their team of able volunteers. The weather cooperated, spirits were high and the day went off without a hitch---generating a sizeable infusion into our Service Fund to help fuel our big plans for our 100th year in 2015.
At the Club meeting on Friday October 24th Jack will announce the final tally after expenses---safe to say, the biggest single infusion of funds this year into the Club's Service arm.
Special thanks to Jim and Bob Russell and their company, American Pest Solutions, our major sponsor, MGM Springfield, Hampden Bank, Capuano Care, Baystate Health, Health New England, Horizon Sheet Metal, Jablonski Devreise Architects, Sumner and Toner Insurance, Colony Care, CHH Engraving, Laprise Chiropractic, the DeLude Family, Cooley Shrair, the Willy Ross School, Andy Skroback PIP Printing, Wild Apple Designs, Kitchens by Custom Bainet and Dr. Maryanne Herron.
Of special note, new Dad Steve Jablonski ran with wife and new mother Jillian and the race's youngest participant,
All proceeds benefit local Rotary Service Fund charities.
This Friday, September 26th, will be a very important and emotional day for our dear friend and Club Past President Ed Sunter and his family as they launch a benefit golf tournament in memory of their son Bryan who died earlier this year.
