With a gloomy forecast hanging over them, the project coordinators and support staff converged upon Jon's Park in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning, May 2, to start setting up for the third Annual Cancer Center for Kids (at Winthrop-University Hospital) 5K Family Fun Walk/Run. Although the threat of rain cast a heavy shadow, it was not enough to dampen spirits; indeed, this year's Walk/Run turned out to be the most successful one yet.

Before anyone knew it, the first wave of registrants began arriving around 8 a.m. As they awaited the start of the Walk/Run, many joined in an early morning stretch with Pilates instructor Theresa Familio, and were treated to invigorating chair massages with massage therapist, Michael Aranoff. A PreCor stretcher was also available for the more disciplined and dedicated stretcher and runner. Participants and volunteers all enjoyed a cup of Starbuck's coffee with a bagel or donut which definitely hit the spot!

The official welcoming ceremony began just before 9:30 as Maxine Andrade, administrative director of the Cancer Center for Kids, welcomed everybody and several of the children from the Cancer Center warmly thanked the participants. Village of Great Neck Plaza (and longtime dedicated supporter of the event) added her thanks and expressed how thrilled the Plaza was to be once again hosting the event at Jon's Park. Joining Mayor Celender was Mayor Richard Deem of the Village of Great Neck and Mayor Robert Bernstein of the Village of Lake Success, both of whom were quite enthusiastic to lend their support to the event and to participate in the first ever "Mayor's Challenge Walk/Run."

Sophia Hall of WCBS Newsradio 88 Radio, who had been publicizing the Walk/Run, offered her heartfelt thoughts on the valor of the children being treated at the Cancer Center for Kids. The by-then overflowing crowd, unfazed by the darkening skies, was treated to a most beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Michelle Raitzin of Great Neck South Middle School. The enthusiastic participants then assembled under the great balloon archway starting line and as the starting signal was shouted out by the children from the Cancer Center, approximately 400 participants were off for their first lap around Jon's Park. Half of the track was dedicated to the serious runners who once again engaged in a highly competitive and exciting sprint to the finish line, cheered on by the vocal group of volunteers and bystanders who lined the route. Medals were awarded to the winners in the various classes. The more casual participants (including babies in jogging strollers) had their own lane as well, and enjoyed jogging, walking, and talking at their own relaxed pace.

The inclement weather did not adversely affect the spirit of the event as each participant realized that they were participating in support of this extremely deserving cause. "I have never seen a more supportive and caring crowd," observed Project Co-coordinator Lore Kent. "With all the possible places that one could have been on an otherwise dreary Sunday morning, so many people chose to be at our Walk/Run ... clearly their hearts and souls were into this event. Even with the rain falling, the participants were shielded from the chill and dampness by their sense of involvement. The lack of sunshine was more than compensated for by the glow of accomplishment emanating from the crowd. There truly was a magical feeling surrounding our event."

The end of the Walk/Run was hardly the end of the event, as many chose to stay to enjoy the entertainment, food and surprises. The diverse entertainment crew added lots of color to the overcast sky. Sponge Bob and Scooby Doo (provided by the Clown Club) had hugs and high fives for everyone they met! Gymbo the Clown entertained the younger set and our face painters added a splash of color to both kids and adults. The multi-talented entertainer, Kevin Kraft, was a one-man spectacle, as he towered above the crowd on stilts, juggled, created balloon art and played games. There was an arts and crafts activity section provided by Temple Beth-El and Temple Isaiah. Unfortunately, Tiger Schulmann's highly anticipated interactive show could not take place due to the slippery conditions. (Sorry Tiger Schulmann ... see you there next year!)

Perhaps what was truly most inspiring this year was the amount of teenagers that participated. Over 80 teens were present from Great Neck South High and middle schools, with a strong presence from the GNSH Key Club (President Heather Levy) and GNSMS Community Action Club (led by Linda Musmechi). Over 30 teens from North High's Key Club (Jordana Cohen, co-chair) raised quite a bit of money and also were present at the event. North Shore Hebrew Academy also was a major presence this year, thanks to junior Ezra Weinblatt who created the awareness at his school. Fifteen volunteers from Chaminade High School were invaluable as part of the early morning set up crew. Special thanks also are in order to the nursery school children from Great Neck Community School (Barbara Breslow, principal) who have been committed to the event from the outset, each year raising more money and getting more families and faculty to participate. Special recognition must be given to sister, Ashley and Haley Finkelstein students at North Middle and North High, who, through their extreme dedication, sold over $2,500 in raffles, making them the number one raffle sellers.