The deeper the recession, the more generous Schoharie County becomes.
That generosity came to the fore on Saturday, when the Marathon for a Better Life unexpectedly topped $100,000 in donations for cancer patients.
All of the $104,798 stays in Schoharie County, as the Marathon Committee gives unrestricted contributions to local cancer patients and their families.
Marathon President Cherie Stevens and Vice President Donna Lavigne believed this 12th Marathon might see a fall-off in funds because of the recession. In recent years, the total has been between $90,000 and $115,000.
“We thought if we got $75,000 or $85,000, we’d be happy,” Ms. Lavigne said. “It would still go to the people we help.
“But to see the fifth-poorest county in the state, with the highest unemployment rate, in a 12-hour event raise over $100,000. . .Well, that speaks to the heart of Schoharie County. We take care of our own.”
Ms. Stevens agreed.
“In times like these, it tells you something about the people in our community,” she said. “It was phenomenal, right from Minute One.”
Teams of walkers collect donations and pledges before the event, which has the walkers circle the Champlin Hall parking lot at SUNY Cobleskill for four hours.
Music, games, sales and refreshments are part of the Marathon, which ends with a luminaria ceremony at night.
For the second straight year, The A Team collected the most donations. Beth’s Golden Arches was second, and NBT Bank ws third.
Esperance Supervisor Earl Van Wormer, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, collected the most money as an individual.
Ms. Stevens pointed out that The A Team is a group of students. Other students also pitched in, with a team of third-graders from Sharon Springs collecting $1,300. A Girl Scout troop made the Marathon their annual good deed, Ms. Stevens added.
“This is incredible how kids are participating,” she added. “I look at this as the future’s in good hands, and I commend adults for teaching them.”
Cobleskill Regional Hospital President Eric Stein was the guest speaker Saturday, and he pointed to the Marathon’s past work in helping patients.
“There’s no paper work, no hassles, nobody’s ever turned down. It sounds like a blueprint for health-care reform,” Mr. Stein joked.
He also noted the unusual giving the Marathon generates and said it reflects the spirit of Schoharie County.
“It’s a rare combination of community and caring,” Mr. Stein said. “We do it because we see the need.”
In speaking to the walkers before the Marathon started, Ms. Stevens said the organization has received its 501(c)3 designation and is now listed in the national charity registry. The designation and listing should help with future donations, she said.
Ms. Stevens also accepted a $600 check from the Sharon Springs Rotary Club. President Pam Tichy presented the check.
Ms. Stevens presented Marathon “Angel Awards” to Dr. Chester Burton for his work with cancer patients and to Howe Caverns for dedicating its annual Halloween at Howe Caverns to the Marathon.
Finally, Ms. Lavigne noted the passing Bill Gilmore and Julie Brizzee, both strong Marathon supporters in the past.
“We’re here to celebrate their lives,” Ms. Lavigne said.
Then, the Marathon kicked off with a lap for cancer survivors, a second for caregivers, and then all walkers joined in.