TERRIFIC TURN-OUT FOR RUN FOR RANDY!

The 6th Annual Run for Randy was held on June 4th, 2009 at Horse Fair Park in Spring Grove. It was a beautiful, sunny day and over 1,130 runners and walkers participated in this year's event!  Participants received sky-blue t-shirts and sunglasses!  Lisa Chodorowski and her Suzuki violin group performed beautiful music during registration.  Huntsman International company in Ringwood presented a check for $5,000 to the Randy Palya Memorial Fund from the President's Safety award that they received this year.  Before the race, Randy's sister, Dayna Palya (12), gave a moving vocal performance of Randy's favorite song, "You Raise Me Up", while accompanied by her brother, Dean on piano, and the Suzuki violin group.  Randy's mother, Nancy released a dove at the start of the race as participants shouted, "We love you, Randy".  The official race starter was Randy's friend, Ryne Blanton.  As racers crossed the finish line, the pop/alternative band, Final Call played live music and refreshments were served.   All proceeds from the event will be distributed to various local charities including, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Turning Point, Home of the Sparrow, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Mainstay Therapeutic Riding Program, It's All About Kids, SuperSibs, several local food pantries and many more charities, as well as provide recreational soccer, baseball and softball scholarships for families in need of assistance. We hope that everyone enjoyed being a part of the Run for Randy.  This event has grown each year and we are so thankful for all of the sponsors, volunteers and participants who make the event so special.