Ready, Set, Go. Run Against Hunger Set for October 19
October 7, 2008To the editor:
Singer-songwriter-activist Harry Chapin’s motto was: “When in doubt, do something,” and he put his money where his mouth was, by donating half the proceeds from his hundreds of concerts each year — millions of dollars in total — to help those in need, especially those who were hungry.
Since just a few months after his untimely death in 1981, thousands of concerned citizens in Croton-on-Hudson and beyond have followed in his footsteps with the annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger, raising well over $250,000 to carry on his mission.
This year, on October 19th, when citizens of all ages and abilities gather for the 28th annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger (see www.runagainsthunger.com), their efforts and Harry’s enduring legacy will have added poignancy.
This past March, Walter Gillis, a Croton resident, 25-year veteran organizer of the fundraising event, passionate fan of Harry Chapin’s music and work, and much-loved emcee on race day (who proudly played Harry’s music over loudspeakers so runners could hear it as they crossed the finish line), passed away at age 76.
But just as Harry’s “do something” approach inspired Walt to help end hunger, so too does Walt’s life and his commitment to helping those in need inspire others:
- The Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger volunteer committee is dedicating this year’s One-Mile Family Fun Run and 10K Race to Walt’s memory
- Croton resident Sam Colombo, who himself was seriously injured and disabled as the result of a car accident about 16 years ago, is going door-to-door raising donations for the cause and dedicating his “run against hunger” to Walt’s memory and to others who passed away and inspired Sam. Over the years, he’s raised more than $100,000 to fight hunger; this year, he’s already raised more than $5,300.
- A special pre-race benefit concert on the evening of Saturday, October 18th at the Asbury United Methodist Church (where the run was started by a small group of concerned citizens in 1981) will feature local musicians and a tribute to Walt Gillis. Tickets are $20 for adults ($10 for children under 12) and available by calling Shirley Gillis at 914-271-5309. Details at http://www.runagainsthunger.com/JVMC08.htm - Jason Chapin, Harry’s son and a resident of Mount Kisco, will be running the 10K race this year in memory of Walt.
Students and faculty members from the PVC Middle School and the CET Elementary School in Croton will be running this year — and hundreds of other people from the community — Girl Scouts, honor society students at the high school, and others, will be volunteering to help make the event a success.
And just like Harry and Walt always helped the hungry, so too will the money raised from this year’s Run Against Hunger go to worthy organizations in need, including the Croton Caring Committee, the Cortlandt Emergency Food Bank (located in Croton), and World Hunger Year, which was co-founded by Harry.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
— Mike Grayeb, Volunteer Committee Member
Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger
914-419-8719
mike@runagainsthunger.com
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