The economy may not be recession-proof, but the Marathon for a Better Life apparently is.
The benefit that raises money to help Schoharie County cancer patients collected $113,145 in its day-long walk at SUNY Cobleskill Saturday.
The Marathon directors hadn’t set a goal for their 12th event but were confident the 800-plus walkers, who collected donations and pledges beforehand, would come through.
And they did.
“It’s absolutely mind-blowing,” said Marathon President Cherie Stevens. “It was an incredible day, from beginning to end.”
All of the money goes to help local cancer patients, who can use it for any purpose––medical bills, groceries, fuel, utilities or travel expenses.
“People come forward every year,” said Ms. Stevens. “The need is greater with the economy the way it is.”
The A Team, a group of students, brought in the most money, more than $12,000. Beth’s Golden Arches and NBT Bank were second and third in donations, Ms. Stevens said.
Earl Van Wormer, chairman of the county Board of supervisors, again raised the most as an individual, while Susan Makely was second.
“It was the best day in the worst economy in 35 years,” said Marathon Vice President Donna Lavigne.
“It is a reflection of the heart of Schoharie County. We take care of our own. The money stays here, and people realize it stays here.”
Most of the 60 teams of walkers set up canopies around the Champlin Hall parking lot, the walking site, and the hundreds of participants gathered around for opening remarks and awards.
Mr. Van Wormer, a cancer survivor, urged listeners to visit those who are ill to let them know they have friends and aren’t forgotten.
“Let them know someone cares about them,” he said. “I don’t care how busy you are, take that opportunity.”
Marathon directors presented their annual “angel” awards. This year they went to Times-Journal Publisher Jim Poole and to the Galasso family.
“You’ve covered and supported us forever,” Ms. Stevens told a surprised Mr. Poole.
Marty Galasso accepted the award for his family, who last year made a huge donation to the Marathon in memory of his mother and sister, both of whom died of cancer.
Mr. Galasso spoke of the faith that’s helped his family through difficult times and pointed to the support the Marathon offers to others in the same situation.
“The Marathon helps local needs,” he said. “This organization is special to me and our family. It affects people we know here.”
The Marathon directors also presented youth leadership awards to the A Team for the thousands of dollars they’ve raised over the five years of participation.
Then an emotional survivors lap started the Marathon. As Ms. Stevens announced a name, that person would step off to applause and cheers from the crowd.
Afterwards, the other walkers stepped out, circling the parking lot all day. A ceremony with 550 luminaria closed the Marathon at night.
Besides money raised by the walkers, a silent auction, raffles and other fundraisers added to the Marathon total.
In one of the raffles, Kelly Sisson and his children donated a quilt his wife, Janet, had made from their children’s clothes. Ms. Sisson had died of cancer.
The quilt raffle raised more than $250, Ms. Lavigne said.