Downtown
Have a HeartShare
Getting fit was never so much fun! Harbor Fitness held its eighth annual Race for Autism on April 26, raising a whole lot of funds and awareness for the disorder. The proceeds benefited HeartShare’s education programs and helps support more than 700 children in HeartShare’s preschool classes. Bill Guarinello, the president and chief operating officer explained, “HeartShare continues to respond to the needs of the community and to the increasing numbers of children — now one in 68, some say one in 50 — diagnosed with autism, by providing quality education and therapies.”
Runners Jose Davila, David Mendelsohn, and Antonio Tizapa placed one, two and three, respectively, finishing the 5K run in approximately 18 minutes, and Jennifer Stephens, who finished the race in approximately 21 minutes, placed first in the women’s category. Her six year old son has participated in HeartShare’s One World After-School Program at PS 102 for the past two years.
State Senator Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) was on hand with Bill, Sharon Toledo, school director of HeartShar; Mary Jean Patella, former HeartShare veep for Human Resources; Carol Verdi, veep for Education Services; and board member Barbara Slattery, to cheer on the racers.
Children from the program, including 12 year old Tallal, were among the participants in the day’s event that included Zumba and a Pee Wee run for children, plus a Feats of Strength competition.
HeartShare Human Services of New York [12 MetroTech Center at Myrtle Avenue in Downtown, (718) 422–4200].
