When Charles, Jessica and Ana Lester lost their mother, they discovered how much her presence had touched the community. That became even more evident during a 5k/Community fitness walk. Their mother, Maria, was killed in a car accident in February. More than 150 people showed up for the 5k/fitness walk/run in what organizers hope will become an annual event. When Tami Mungenast, of Hamlin, heard of the Lesters' loss of their mother and knew they had no father in the picture, she decided she wanted to do something to help them. She rounded up volunteers from the Mom's Club of Hamlin/Clarkson and a local women's exercise club called the Coach Potato Fitness Club and pulled together the idea for a benefit race. "The three kids are all supporting themselves, paying the mortgage and still trying to remain in college and we just wanted to help them out," Mungenast said. Jessica attends MCC, Charlie and Ana attend SUNY Brockport. All three work in Brockport. "Another goal of the event was to encourage residents and their families to come out and be more active." The event took place June 17 and Mungenast said the response was "fantastic." "The local business community was very generous in taking out sponsorships which helped to cover the financial aspects of the event," Mungenast said. "There were 150 people who participated in the race and the walk but there were even more participants who were children or Lifetime Assistance clients (Maria worked at a local Lifetime Assistance house) and many employees and clients participated in the walk." "I was so overwhelmed at how many people knew our mom and how many people came out to support us during the walk. None of us will ever forget that," Jessica said. Following the race and walk there was a tater tot sack race for the children and a couch potato race in which participants had to carry team members on a couch toward the finish line. Trophies and prizes were awarded to the best time in each class but Mungenast said due to the overwhelming popularity of the event, they ran out of t-shirts. "We're going to order more shirts for those who didn't receive them but we are offering options," she said. "If you opt to not order a shirt, the cost of it will be donated to the Lester children ($5 per shirt) or if you didn't receive a shirt and would like one you can call me and we will get one to you." To order a shirt contact Mungenast at 964-7616 by July 31. Close to $5,000 was collected in sponsorships and registration and the net proceeds of $3,700 was donated to the Lester education account. The check was presented to the children on July 6. July 16, 2006 |
