HAUPPAUGE, NY— Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today the grant application process for organizations and nonprofit organizations to receive funds generated by the 10th Annual Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon is now open. The Suffolk County Marathon Veterans Grant Committee, in conjunction with the I Run This Island Foundation, Inc., will oversee the process and distribute more than $129,000 raised from the 2024 marathon.
“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans population in New York State and we must continue to do all we can to provide the resources and support our local heroes deserve,” said Romaine. “I thank the many volunteers who made the 2024 Suffolk County Marathon a resounding success as the money raised from the event will have a tremendous impact on our veterans.”
"Catholic Health is proud to once again serve as Medal of Honor Title Sponsor for the 2025 Suffolk County Marathon," said Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA, President and CEO of Catholic Health. "Our veterans need and deserve our support. We encourage all eligible organizations to apply for a grant and enlist in our effort to do right by those who have served our nation so honorably."
Applications for the Suffolk County Marathon Veterans Grant Program are due April 1, 2025. Prospective applicants can find the application here or at https://suffolkcountyny.gov/veterans/Home.
Previous recipients include Paws of War, America’s VetDogs, Warrior Ranch Foundation, Disabled American Veterans of NY Services, various American Legion posts, Patient AirLift Services, United Veterans Beacon House, Island Harvest, General Needs, Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Long Island Cares and more.
Since the event’s inception, the Suffolk County Marathon has raised more than $1.1 million that has been allocated to more than 100 local organizations and nonprofits who provide various services to local veterans.
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa, Chairman of the Veterans & Consumer Affairs Committee said, “Suffolk County is committed to our veterans and recognizes not only the services and sacrifices they made while serving our great nation, but also the services that they so desperately need and deserve now. Thanks to funds secured through the Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon, this grant funding has provided over $1.1 million dollars to date to multiple veterans’ organizations and agencies throughout Suffolk County that provide those vital services. With the opening of this year’s grant funding application process, even more resources will go directly to these wonderful organizations in efforts to further assist our veteran’s community. This has been a very successful partnership between the County Executive’s Office, Catholic Health, Race Awesome, Babylon Village, Law Enforcement, our County Parks Department, and so many more, including the thousands of runners who participate in the Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon each year. Each step they run or walk is a step closer to providing relief to our veterans. When it comes to serving those who served, Suffolk County doesn’t just Talk the Talk, we Run the Run.”
Corey Roberts of Race Awesome and the I Run This Island Foundation said, “We strongly support the grant applications for veteran services made possible through the funds raised by the Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon. These grants provide crucial resources to veterans, helping them access essential services, programs, and opportunities that improve their quality of life.”
Marcelle Leis, Director of the Suffolk County Veteran Service Agency said, “Proceeds from the marathon go directly to agencies and organizations that do the heavy lift to serve the veterans population every day. We shed light on issues that veterans face after returning from service to include physical disabilities, emotional issues like the signature wound of modern warfare; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and most important, for those who have lost their battle to suicide.”
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