Just Run With It!
Just Run with It! Seventeen Years of Hard Work and Dedication
When Joni Taubman suggested to the Save Our Fourth Association (SOFA) of Fair Haven, NY, that they add a 5K run/walk to the weekend’s already diverse Fourth of July activities, she never expected them to say “Sure! Could you do it?” Having never organized a run before, Joni had no idea what she was getting herself into, but that didn’t stop her. One day she received a call from Chuck VonHoltz, another Fair Haven resident, who introduced himself as a New York State Track Official. Joni knew this had to be a sign, and she now knew she had to fulfill the request. The rest was history.
The race began in 2005 with only 93 participants and raised just over $600. SOFA decided to designate the funds raised from the event to Hospice, as they had just recently lost Pattie Taft, a long-time resident who had used Hospice’s services in her final days. Pattie was the wife to Gus Taft, they were owners of the Otis Wiley House, and also founding members of SOFA. Gus still owns the Otis Wiley House and has been a sponsor of the run every year.
It’s been a family affair from day one. Joni’s family was “drafted” as she says with some facet of the responsibility for planning the race. Her sons managed the sound system, her husband drove around and picked up water, apples, and t-shirts. And she recruited volunteers along the way to help with everything that is needed to put on a race.
This year the Run/Walk for Hospice will celebrate its 17th year and so far, has raised over sixty-five thousand dollars. The course is now certified, has an official race timer, online registration, over 300 yearly participants, and new this year, will have a Kid’s Fun Run, sponsored by the Auer Family Foundation.
We here at Hospice tip our hats to Joni, and all of the time and effort she has given to this race over the past 17 years. It is a true labor of love, and we are so grateful that she chose to pour her love into this cause.
We hope you will consider joining us this year in beautiful Fair Haven, NY on July 2nd, 2022. To register for the race please visit www.runsignup.com/Race/NY/FairHaven/RunforHospice
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