The village's biggest fundraiser, the Mineola Mustang Run/Walk, will take place Sunday morning, Nov. 20, rain or shine. This year, record numbers of participants are expected to turn out to what has become a fall tradition in Mineola.

This is the 21st time the Mustang Run/Walk will take place and it has grown each year. Once again, an integral part of the event will be participation from local community leaders as well as Team Mineola, comprised of staff members and students from the Mineola School District.

This year, the event will be held in memory of Ann Galante, the former Mineola Mayor and Town of North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes. Galante was the first and only woman mayor in Mineola history. She is remembered fondly by her friends and neighbors. Her family is expected to be present at the Mustang Run.

The one-mile Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5K/3.1-mile run/walk will begin at 10 a.m. The check-in location is Mineola Middle School, located on Emory Road.

Last year, more than $40,000 was raised. The proceeds from the event will be given to the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mineola Athletic Association, Mineola Police Athletic League, Mineola Auxiliary Police, Mineola Fire Department for life-saving equipment, Mineola Historical Society, Mineola Youth and Family Services, Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital and the Parent and Child Education Program Inc. (PACE).

Following the events, there will be the presentation of trophies and a post-race raffle in which a bicycle, donated by Hempstead Lincoln-Mercury, and a color television, donated by Long Island Checker Cab, will be raffled off.

The Mineola Mustang Run/Walk Committee is still in desperate need of volunteers to keep the runners and walkers safe during the event. You must be available from 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each volunteer will receive a free long-sleeved shirt. If you would like to volunteer, call Linda Fairgrieve at 294-5914.