NEW YORK, March 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Over 500 New Yorkers will lace up their sneakers to run three miles around the Floyd Bennett Field runway tomorrow, Sunday, March 25th, at 9:00 am in Brooklyn, NY. The 5K supports Our Place, a local organization that has numerous drop-in-centers that offer counseling, camaraderie, a home-cooked meal and referral services for troubled Jewish youth.
The 5K race was originally organized to raise funds to keep the program's doors open. Since 1998, Our Place, located in Midwood, NY has been a beloved safe-haven for at-risk teens and a place for them to break addictions to alcohol and drugs.
The non-profit program takes in Jewish youth from anywhere in the city-- those who just needs a place to go and someone to listen to. Current members and alumni of Our Place are passionate about the program, as several participants credit Our Place with saving their lives.
Numerous politicians are expected including Senator Charles Schumer, City Council Member David Greenfield, Assemblymen Alan Maisel and Dov Hikind as well as Assemblywomen Rhoda Jacobs and Helene Weinstein.
"I may be doing more walking than running," said Hikind, "But I will take part in this event because of Our Place and what they represent.I have been involved in helping them for fifteen years.I love these kids.They are our kids.They come to my Shabbos table, they eat with us.We all have to help and do our part."
This is the first USATF certified run ever to take place at Floyd Bennett Field, which offers scenic views of Manhattan and the Atlantic Ocean.The race will feature Jaguar chip timing, professional race photography, awards for the top three runners in each group, medals for all those who complete the course and free t-shirts for the first two hundred and fifty participants.
Our Place hopes to raise $85,000 at Sunday's race and is expecting over five hundred runners and walkers to take part in the event which is sponsored by United Realty Partners, Omni Managed Health, Senior Care Emergency Medical Services, Vos Iz Neias, Edison Home Health Care, Kedem Royal Wineries and Weekly Link.
About Our Place
Founded in 1998, Our Place employs a multi-faceted approach to counseling, rehabilitating and guiding troubled Jewish youth in their return to mainstream society. Visit Our Place online at http://www.ourplaceny.org or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OurPlaceNY
SOURCE Our Place
