The 19th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge raised $18,186 to benefit Saratoga Bridges
On Saturday, October 12, the 19th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge (GPC) was held in the Saratoga Spa State Park with over 1,000 runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers packing into the Columbia Pavilion. The 5 and 10K races raised $18,186 NET for Saratoga Bridges’ programs and services. Winners included Male & Female 5K – Michael DiNicola of Malta and Stephanie of Clifton Park with results - www.zippyraceresults.com/search.php?ID=8053 and the Male & Female 10K winners – Jack Vite of Clifton Park and Jamie Farone of Saratoga Springs with results -www.zippyraceresults.com/search.php?ID=8054. Anyone who placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their age group received a gift from Saratoga Bridges. If winners missed the awards ceremony, they can call (518) 587-0723 or stop in their Administration Building located at 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd., in Ballston Spa Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The GPC included the popular Kids Fun Run for children 12 & under, ET Chip Timing from Albany Running Exchange,homemade refreshments prepared by Accounts Payable Clerk Mark Sammler and their individuals, pumpkins decorated by their day programs, a costume contest for children and adults, raffles and food and beverages donated by from Price Chopper, Cabot Cheese, Prestige Services, Bimbo Bakeries USA, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchards. They had 9 “Bridges Buddies” participate in the 5K. This Walking and Wheeling Program was created by their Wellness Committee for staff and individuals to train for 4-weeks together - culminating in the GPC. They had volunteers from BOCES’ Criminal Justice program, Quad Graphics, Shenendehowa High School and Saratoga Bridges staff, board members, families, community members and friends.
Saratoga Bridges is most grateful to the following 2019 sponsors, without their generosity the event would not be as successful:
Great Pumpkin Challenge Sponsors
Lead Sponsor: Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants
Monster Sponsors: BPAS, Druthers Brewing Company and The Fitzgibbons Family
Vampire Sponsors: Matthews Buses, Pioneer Bank and Seeley Office Systems
Pumpkin Sponsors: Accounting for All and Hill & Markes
Season Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors: Constance & Thomas D’Ambra; Ketel One Vodka
Lead Sponsors: Adirondack Trust Company; Relph Benefit Advisors
Featured Sponsors: Performance Industrial; Stewart’s Shops; Tarella Financial Group
Associate Sponsors: Aubrey Guri Team ~ Howard Hanna; Champlain Wealth Management; Coca Cola Northern New England; Cole’s Collisions; Fingerpaint; MVP Heath Plan, Inc; The Old Firehouse LLC
Friend Sponsors: GLOBALFOUNDRIES, U.S.; NBT Bank; Northwestern Mutual; One Group; Richard A. & Ann C. Peters; Saratoga National Bank & Trust; The Bonadio Group; The D.A. Collins Companies; Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP
Saratoga Bridges has been providing the highest level of programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life. As one of the largest private non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, they have been committed to ensuring that the individuals they serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams as they work, shop, play, and volunteer while leading full, productive and contributing lives. This voluntary service provider believes that the care they give increases immeasurably the quality of life for every citizen. Saratoga Bridges’ philosophy is that every day is full of possibilities!
