Senate Resolution No. 1866

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of America's
Greatest Heart Run/Walk

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
organizations of noble aims and accomplishments for their charitable
endeavors which serve New York communities at large; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of America's Greatest Heart Run/Walk of
Utica, New York, on Saturday, March 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Utica, New York, is home to this much-anticipated annual
event, with roots running back to 1947, when one lone runner, Larry
Lewicki, collected $65 from co-workers at Jay-K Lumber and ran five
miles to support the American Heart Association; four friends joined him
the next year and raised $274; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, the Heart Run became the Run/Walk when walkers
were added to the mix; today, walkers make up most of the participants,
a result of making this esteemed event more accessible to people of all
abilities and interests; and

WHEREAS, The various routes of this walk and run are comprised of
the traditional 18-mile run, 3-mile run, and the 3-mile walk; and

WHEREAS, Millions of dollars raised through the years because of
this charitable event have helped save countless lives, many of them in
Central New York; research and development have remained paramount in
combatting heart disease and have resulted in new leases on life for
people of all ages who have faced life-and-death situations; and

WHEREAS, This commendable charitable event is an asset to the State
of New York, supporting such a widely impactful and important cause,
while providing opportunities for community to grow and thrive together
for a greater good; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of America's Greatest Heart Run/Walk;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the organizers of America's Greatest Heart Run/Walk of
Utica, New York.