Early on Sunday morning, April 19, runners and walkers came together at the Sands Point Preserve to get their numbers and T-shirts to participate in the annual Helen’s Run/Walk. More than six Floral Park residents participated in the event, including: Christine Lee, 29, finished in 51:39.8; Celia Lee, 59, finished in 52:06.6; Michael Jr. Windischmann, 10, finished in 54:33.9; Michael Windischmann, 49, finished in 55:16.6; Naomi Windischmann, 50, finished in 55:17.7; Simon Lee, 30, finished in 57:37.2.
The weather was perfect for a brisk walk or run though the beautiful trails of Sands Point. Mary Hayes of Manhasset was there at 6:30 a.m. to organize the volunteers.
This year over 320 participants entered the event, 117 registering the day of the event to support people who live with a combined vision and hearing loss. “To date we have raised over $33,000!” said Marina N. Carroll, development officer for Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults. The proceeds of the event go to the renovation of the facility.
Miss New York Elena Estrada was one of the walkers on hand that morning who walked in the event. Miles for Megan team was there to participate and had purple shirts made to honor the memory of Megan Bookstaver. “She was an amazing and beautiful woman who cared deeply for the people and animals that she came into contact with,” said team captains Lori Bookstaver (Megan’s mom, a development associate for HKNC) and Jennifer Jenkins, Megan’s cousin. Megan’s life was tragically cut short in September 2013. Born and raised in Hicksville, Megan graduated from Hicksville High School in 2008, working for several years at the Woodbury Road Veterinary Hospital in Plainview. She was an honors student and senior at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry at the time of her death.
“Her joy and excitement for life lives on through each and every one of us,” said Jenkins. “We are excited to be able to celebrate Megan’s life and support a cause that impacts our community.”
Manhasset-Port Washington Kiwanis Club as well as a number of organizations volunteered and assisted at the event handing out water and giving directions.
The race was supervised by Start to Finish Corp., based in Long Beach, Long Island. For a complete list of the winners go to www.start2finish.com/2015/r041915.htm.
