raises funds for Sara A 5K held July 24 was planned in an effort to raise funds for Sara Minni, a local six-year-old who has been struggling with brain cancer since she was nine months old. She has undergone five operations and 10 chemotherapy and radiation treatments and yet the cancer has returned. All of the proceeds help continue much needed treatments. The idea to organize this race was that of Hilton High School junior, Amanda Griggs. With the collaboration of Steve Fowler, director of Hilton-Parma Recreation and Tom Ganley, a local running enthusiast and former coach and teacher, the idea became a reality. There were 71 participants ranging in age from 7 to 72. There was an open division for walkers and nine age categories for runners. Members of the Hilton Apple Fest committee manned the one water stop. Using equipment offered by Hilton-Parma Recreation and help from the Hilton Girl's Cross Country team, their families, and their coach, the race went off without a hitch. Times were very competitive with the overall male finisher, Teddy Quinn running the course in 17:24. A 2004 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School, Quinn is one of the area's elite cross-country runners as well as placing fifth in the 1,600 at the New York State Outdoor Track meet this spring. Hilton High School junior Amanda Griggs was the overall female finisher with a 19:33. Griggs, has also been very competitive at the state level in cross-country and track. The age category winners were as follows: 14 and Under: Steve Smith 25:40, Ashley Jones 21:22. 15-18: Mike Pawlicki 22:46, Laura Iafrati 20:53. 19-29: Joshua Brown 29:53, Cary Ellen Stevens 29:58. 30-39: Ken Merkel 18:26, Christine Roth 27:09. 40-49: John Benson 19:17, Julie Norris 28:54. 50-59: Andy Matzan 20:01, Connie Hibbard 25:46. 60-69: Brian Brone 23:09. Open Division-Walkers: Bob Viney 52:42, Ashlea Keene 38:40. The race raised a total of $3,081.50 which included money donated by Lakeview Community Church's Vacation Bible School, race registration fees, and some generous anonymous gifts. Unfortunately Sara was not feeling well enough to attend. Her grandmother, Brenda Minni, and aunt, Carrie Ange, were there and were visibly touched by the generosity of everyone involved. A 'Build-A-Bear,' appropriately clad in running shoes, shorts and a T-shirt, was sent home for Sara as a gift from Griggs. |
