Photo: QueensPost
June 1, 2015 Staff Report
Hundreds of runners turned out Sunday to participate in the inaugural Sunnyside Post Mile.
The event, which was held to raise funds for the Coalition for the Homeless, drew more than 500 runners and wound up raising a net total of $10,500.
The mile walk/run began near the corner of 43rd Street/Skillman and went down to Barnett Avenue over to 50th Street, before finishing at Skillman Ave near 44th Street.
“It was a great out turnout and we raised more than we ever expected,” said Leonor White, who organized the race. “I thought the community did a great job in coming together to support this cause and I would like to thank our sponsors for helping to bring it together.”
White said she was encouraged by the range of participants– from seniors to young children, to mothers pushing strollers, to dogs. “This event reminds me how great it is to live in such an amazing and supportive community,” she said.
She also appreciated the support of Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, State Sen. Mike Gianaris and Community Board 2 chair Pat O’Brien.
White also thanked the Sunnyside Post for promoting the event, recruiting sponsors and getting the word out through posters, fliers and its news site.
The winner of the men’s event was Jerry Faulkner from Sunnyside, followed by Scott Bartucca (Jackson Heights) and Kevin Montalvo (Jackson Heights). The winner of the women’s race was Talia Kohn from Sunnyside, followed by Catherine Meadows and Amy Roberts (Astoria).
“It’s great to see Sunnyside come out in support for the homeless,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who noted that his family was once homeless and was in a shelter. “We will never walk away from the homeless.”
Van Bramer ran in the event—so too did his husband, Dan Hendrick, two sisters and brother in law. Four of his staff members also participated. Van Bramer’s mother was there for encouragement.
Several local businesses supported the cause—such as Sunnyside Post, Bar 43, Dog and Duck, Merit Real Estate, Welcome Home Real Estate, The Skillman Project and Coffeed.
“These sponsors made the event happen,” White reiterated. “We’re very, very grateful.”
The full list of sponsors: Sunnyside Post, Bar 43, The Dog and Duck, Merit Real Estate, Welcome Home Real Estate, The Skillman Project, Coffeed, Associated, Food Universe, Fresh n Save, Skillman Pets, Extreme Martial Arts, Maggie Mae’s, Woodside on the Move, Claret, Sunnyside Reform Church, Copper Kettle, The Globe Tavern and Courtyard Ale House.
Leonor White
Christian Murray, Sunnyside Post
Featured Events
12 Comments
I live in Florida but grew up in Sunnyside. When I saw this was happening during my visit I signed myself & my daughter up right away & will be happy to schedule next years summer trip around it! It’s going to a great cause ~ Proud to have supported!
I had a great time. So did my dog, Coco, though he was dragging his ‘assets’ about halfway through the walk. Kudos to all.
pretty cool. thanks SP
This makes me proud to be a sunnysider. Will definitely be participating in this next year! Hopefully we can get the word out to my part of Sunnyside aka the Non skillman side of qnz blvd.
I agree with Clunky. What a great event that should become a tradition. I’d love for it to be a 5K though. One mile is really really short. Great work Leonor.
With all the data collected on the participants, perhaps a survey could be done to find out the preferences on the distance of the event. I’m concerned that if the race is lengthened, it will discourage many neighborhood folks from joining.
Awesome-ass thing. AWESOME-ass thing!!! Great to see good money being raised for a good cause. I hope this kind of thing is the future of Sunnyside. This is the best thing about our neighborhood!
SUH-nee-SIDE!!! SUH-nee-SIDE!!!
It was a great time. Leonor should be our next councilman
Great time, very well organized, and the discounted beverages at Bar 43 post race were the topper!
GREAT work, Christian!!!
So someone can finally find a place for that homeless guy who keeps sitting on the 52nd Lincoln ave steps? He poopooed on the platform!
I’m almost tempted to jump right over him when I get back from work. Asking for change while you park your ass half way across the stairs when evening rush hour crowd gets off work.
How about that younger panhandler in the AM that’s been stalking the 52nd Street platform too? Looks like mid 20’s lean black man who ask for change right in your face, and if you don’t, he continues to stay in your face and starts yapping away at some BS…
No here guys… NOT HERE.