Bright Side of the Road: Senator Murphy Presents Local Food Pantries with Donations Raised From His First Annual Turkey Trot

Yorktown, NY- Thanksgiving is a day when we give thanks for family, friends and our good health. This past Thanksgiving, two local food pantries were grateful to the more than 400 runners that participated in Senator Terrence Murphy's First Annual 5k Turkey Trot.
 
The nearly $6,000 raised through the Turkey Trot registration fees and T-shirt purchases were donated to St. Mary's Food Pantry in Mohegan Lake and St. John's Food Pantry in Mahopac, with each organization receiving a check for $2,836.18. On January 24, Senator Murphy invited members from both organizations to his District Office to express his gratitude for the service they provide to needy families and to present them with their checks.
 
"The enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and camaraderie displayed by the runners was awe-inspiring," said Senator Murphy. "I want to thank and recognize the runners for coming out and supporting our first Turkey Trot. No one was there for personal glory. Everyone who participated ran or walked because they knew their donation was going to keep a family from going hungry. The best part is every cent we raised goes toward the food pantries."
 
Tom Maile, President of the Taconic Road Runners said, "It was a great idea for all of us to combine our efforts to help the local food pantries. I am looking forward to having twice the number of runners participate next year."
 
"I was surprised and grateful to get a call from Senator Murphy telling me what he had in mind to help us," said Terry Berardi, Coordinator for St Mary's Food Pantry. "We are thankful for the support. It is heartening to know there are so many people in our community who are willing to help others."
 
Deacon Bernie Moran, Director of St. John's Food Pantry and his wife, Teri, who serves as the Pantry's Coordinator, were on hand to meet with Senator Murphy and accept their share of the proceeds. "The race was a wonderful way to get people in the community together," said Mrs. Moran. "The money that was raised is appreciated and needed. We should have one of these races every week!"
 
Senator Murphy partnered with the Taconic Road Runners, Club Fit, AFC Urgent Care, JV Hot Bagels and the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce to organize, run and provide supplies for the race. The Turkey Trot started on Front Street and continued along Route 118, finishing back at Front Street. Response to the inaugural Hudson Valley Turkey Trot was so overwhelming that registration was full less than a week after it had opened.