Final Mustang Run Proceeds go to WTC Families

By Joe Rizza

While many volunteers were busy stuffing envelopes in preparation for the annual Mineola Mustang Run in November, the final proceeds from the last run were being distributed in a special way.

With the non-profit and volunteers organizations receiving their annual proceeds from the Mustang Run, the committee decided it would set aside some money this year to donate in memory of the event of Sept. 11.

Linda Fairgrieve (4th left) gives checks to families of World Trade Center victims. Pictured (l-r) is Mineola Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus, trustee Elizabeth Conlon, Colleen Cahill, Linda Fairgrieve, Peter Owens Sr., Evelyn Cahill, Jim Cahill, Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert and trustee Jack Martins.

On Sunday evening, Mustang Run Committee president Linda Faigrieve gave check in the amount of $500 each to the families of Michael Cahill and Peter Owens Jr., who were victims of the World Trade Center attack.

Cahill, 37, a graduate of Chaminade High School, worked for Marsh and McLennan on the 99th floor of Tower one of the World Trade Center. His wife Colleen of East Williston accepted the check on behalf of the Cahill family.

Michael Cahill, who, besides his wife, was survived by his mother Evelyn, father Jim, brother Tom, son Conor, 5, and daughter Fiona, 3. The East Williston resident was described by his wife as an avid runner. In fact, Michael Cahill participated in the Mineola Mustang Run in 1980 and 1981, finishing with the fastest time for a Mineola resident, according to his brother Tom. "It's kind of poignant," said Colleen upon receiving the money from a run her husband once participated in.

Peter Owens Sr. accepted the check on behalf of his son. Peter Owens Jr., 42, an employee for Cantor Fitzgerald and resident of , was survived by his mother Dolores, wife Kathy, son Joseph, who recently graduated from SUNY Potsdam, son Tom, who attends Mineola High School, and daughter Maryellen, a student at Mineola Middle School.

Peter Owens Jr. has been described as a dedicated and loving father who coached children in baseball and basketball. He planned on moving to Mineola with his family before the attacks on the World Trade Center. Hs wife and children have since moved into the house the couple had purchased.

The $1,000 donation represented the last of the $22,000 raised in last November's run. Other benefactors include the Mineola Athletic Association (MAA), Mineola Police Athletic League (PAL), Mineola Volunteer Fire Department, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mineola Auxiliary Police, Mineola Youth and Family Services, and the Mineola Historical Society.