For Immediate Release
May 4, 2022
Contact: Press.Office@Suffolkcountyny.gov
More than a dozen Local Veterans Organizations Receive Grant Funding from 2021 Suffolk Marathon
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined local elected officials, Col. John McMurray, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Good Samaritan Hospital, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health, Ruth E. Hennessey, President of Good Samaritan Hospital and Corey Roberts, the Founder of Race Awesome, to announce the Eighth Annual Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon and the selection of 14 organizations to receive grant funding from the 2021 Marathon.
The recipients include, United Veterans Beacon House, Inc., America’s VetDogs, Island Harvest, LTD, Long Island Cares Inc., Women Marine Association NY-7, Association for Mental Health and Wellness, Inc., Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, United Way of Long Island, Veterans Yoga Project, Sgt. John J. Kreyer VFW Post 7223, Patient AirLift, Services (PALS), Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634, American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244 Inc. /American Legion Riders Post 1244 and the Long Island Warriors Veterans Hockey Club Inc.
“The Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon has become an annual tradition for runners and families all across Long Island, said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. This race continues to help fund critical services that our veterans need right here in Suffolk County, while also honoring the selfless men and women who have served our country. We must continue to do everything we can to ensure they receive the financial, medical, psychological, and physical help they deserve.”
This year’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K will take place on Sunday, October 23rd and the 5K will take place on Saturday, October 22nd. The Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K race will once again start in the Village of Babylon. Athletes will get the chance to run through one of the most scenic courses on Long Island, running across the Robert Moses Causeway. In addition, the 5K will feature a brand-new course that showcases the beauty and views of Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore.
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey said: “The Suffolk County Marathon has quickly become one of the premier events each year. It brings people together, fosters our sense of community and makes clear Suffolk County government’s commitment to provide for the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. On behalf of the Suffolk County Legislature, I thank all of the participants for being a part of the marathon and for supporting Suffolk’s thousands of veterans.”
Majority Leader Nick Caracappa said: “I am pleased to stand with my colleagues in government and our great sponsors to kick-off this year’s Suffolk County Veterans Marathon Series. All proceeds generated from these amazing marathon events benefit our veteran organizations county-wide. As Chair of the Legislatures’ Veterans and Consumer Affairs Committee we are continuing to improve all aspects of veterans’ services throughout Suffolk County. This collaboration between government and private organizations is the best way we can honor and support veterans and their families, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Minority Leader Jason Richberg said: “The annual county marathon is always one of the highlights of the year in Suffolk County. Participants get to spend a day running or walking along our beautiful Great South Bay while coming together to support our veterans, and numerous veterans’ organizations receive much needed financial support. Thank you to County Executive Bellone and everyone whose hard work ensures that this 8-year tradition will continue for years to come.”
Legislator Steve Flotteron said: “Suffolk County and Catholic Health working together is a great and much needed partnership. Especially since Suffolk County is home to one of the Country’s largest Veterans population.”
Mayor Mary E. Adams, Village of Babylon said: "This is another example of working together to accomplish great things. The Village of Babylon is honored once again to be the host of the Suffolk County Marathon. I thank Steve Bellone and his staff for choosing our beautiful village to host this event. We are looking to support our Veterans and once again bring awareness to all those service men and women who made sacrifices in order that we may enjoy our freedoms every day. God Bless our Veterans."
Catholic Health President & CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA, FACEP said: “As an emergency medicine physician by trade, I know how important health care services are to our veteran community. Catholic Health looks to ensure that the men and women who have provided us our freedoms have access to the clinical services they need. The Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon is just one way the system supports this group of amazing individuals.”
Good Samaritan President Ruth E. Hennessey said: “Good Samaritan Hospital is thrilled to again partner with Suffolk County on this incredible event and be one of the spectator areas for the marathon. The marathon is just one way the hospital continues to shape health care on the south shore, providing much needed support to our veterans. The development of Good Samaritan’s Patient Care Pavilion, which will include a new Emergency Department, 16 replacement operating rooms and 3 floors of private patient rooms, further enhances care for all of Suffolk County’s residents.”
Corey Roberts, Founder of Race Awesome & Director of the Suffolk County Marathon said: “PUMPED for 2022, this will the biggest and best Catholic Health Suffolk County Marathon and Freedom Festival yet! BRING IT ON! Cheers & always remember to ‘Race Awesome.’"
The Suffolk County Marathon was first launched in 2015, with the main objective of providing additional support to the more than 90,000 veterans who reside in Suffolk County. Each year, the Marathon raises money to benefit veterans and to date, the Suffolk County Marathon has raised nearly $800,000 for local veterans’ services with more than 13,000 runners participating.
For more information on the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, or to register please visit www.suffolkcountymarathon.com.
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