On Saturday, May 29, Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services had 419 runners at the 18th Annual 5K Runday. This was their largest field ever, surpassing the previous 17 years.
The event raised $29,286 in unrestricted funds to surpass its goal of $25,000. The funds raised will benefit the many services that Central Nassau provides throughout Nassau and Suffolk including counseling, outpatient chemical dependency services, personalized recovery oriented services, case management, and residential programs.
Assemblymen Michael Montesano, from New York State’s 15th District, served as the Honorary Starter for the race that began at Central Nassau’s offices located at 950 South Oyster Bay Road in Hicksville and continued through the streets of Hicksville and Bethpage. Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker, a long-time supporter of Central Nassau, was also present for the pre-race festivities that included a Fun Run for children under the age of 12.
All runners received a commemorative Runday T-shirt, free refreshments, and computerized finish times. Twenty-three trophies were awarded to top male and female finishers in various age categories. Central Nassau’s 5K Runday event is part of the Long Island Grand Prix series of running events and is supported in part by several corporate sponsors including The Alcott Group and M & T Bank.
Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services offers a lifeline of hope to those struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. It has been responding to the call for help through a comprehensive network of community-based services since 1972. It provides services in both Nassau and Suffolk County.
Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc. is licensed and funded by the N.Y.S. Office of Mental Health, Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities, N.Y.S. Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Services, Suffolk County Community Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, and the Long Island Association.
