This Sunday, Nov. 16, the biggest fundraiser in Mineola will take place as the Mustang Run will kick-off with a one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. and the 5K (3.1-mile) run/walk at 10 a.m.

Mineola Mustang Run committee chairperson Linda Fairgrieve and the volunteers have been preparing for months to make sure the event is again a big success as it has been all of its past years.

This is the 24th annual Mustang Run and will be held in honor of all veterans. Proceeds from the run will go to benefit many of Mineola's organizations that provide valuable services to the community.

The run will benefit the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Mineola Athletic Association, the Mineola Police Athletic League, Mineola Fire Department for live-saving equipment, Mineola Historical Society, Mineola Youth and Family Services, the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital and Parent and Child Education Program (PACE). Special donations will also be made to the Mineola Junior Fire Department and the Wounded Warrior Project.

The donations go to these organizations, which use them to better the community. For example, PACE director Carmela Bernacchio uses the money to hold free parenting workshops at the Mineola Library.

The fire department and ambulance corps use the donations from the Mustang Run to purchase equipment that can be used when they answer calls to the Mineola community.

This is an event everyone in the community can get involved with. The Mustang Run Committee is still seeking volunteers to keep all the runners and walkers safe as they make their way through the streets. Volunteers report by 8 a.m. and are done by 11 a.m. All volunteers will receive a long-sleeve, commemorative shirt and breakfast.

Runners and walker will all check in at the Mineola Middle School, located at 200 Emory Road in Mineola. Check-in begins at 8 p.m. in the gymnasium of the middle school, where there will be refreshments. All those who register will receive a Mustang Run shirt as well as a computer chip for your sneaker that will time the run. Pre-registration is $17 and registration the day of the run is $20. You can register online at www.mineolamustangrun.com or by picking up an entry form and mailing it in. The address for the Mineola Mustang Run/Walk Committee is 175 Pomander Road, Mineola, NY 11501.

Following the run, everyone gathers in the middle school gym to get their results. Trophies are awarded and a raffle takes place. Raffle prizes include a bicycle, donated by Hempstead Lincoln Mercury and Garden City Saab and a 25'' color TV, donated by Long Island Checker Cab.

If you would like to volunteer or would like more information on the run, call Linda Fairgrieve at 294-5914.