The Daily Dose
September Fundraisers Offer Fitness, Fun, and Purpose
September is the perfect month to get outdoors for some exercise and fresh air. The temperatures are still comfortable and thoughts of weight control are on the minds of many, following a summer of barbecues, picnics, and vacations. The Capital Region and beyond offer a myriad of events that not only provide opportunities for exercise, but raise funds and awareness for charitable causes in our community.
The following is a list of events sponsored by CDPHP®. We encourage you to learn more and participate!
SEFCU Headquarters, 700 Patroon Creek Blvd., Albany
Monday, September 7
Run or walk in SEFCU’s 27th Annual Labor Day 5k. Your support will help local charities that serve veterans earn donations that will enable them to continue their missions. Online registration is available. Applications cannot be accepted at SEFCU locations. Commemorative SEFCU 5k T-shirts will be given to all participants, and complimentary fruit and drinks will be available after the event.
Get Your Rear in Gear 5k Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run
Saratoga Spa State Park, Columbia Pavilion, Saratoga Springs
Saturday, September 12
The Colon Cancer Coalition coordinates a series of runs around the country to raise money and awareness for colon cancer, the nation’s No. 2 cancer killer. Funds raised will stay in our community, helping with prevention, early detection and treatment, and healthy living projects for this disease. Get Your Rear in Gear features refreshments, tech shirts, and marathon-quality medals for age group winners. This event also provides a special opportunity to honor survivors and those lost to colon cancer in our community.
Capital District Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research
Elm Avenue Town Park, Delmar
Sunday, September 13
Coordinated by the Lustgarten Foundation, this 12th annual walk raises funds for pancreatic cancer research. This year alone, more than 45,000 individuals in the U.S. will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which can’t be detected early, and almost all will die from it. The Lustgarten Foundation, based in Bethpage, N.Y., has provided more than $75 million in research support and offers in-depth information to patients and their families.
Washington Park, Albany
Sunday, September 13
This 14th annual event is the primary fundraiser for Caring Together, an ovarian cancer support group in the Capital District. More than $100,000 has been raised in past years to provide local research grants and ovarian cancer testing for qualified uninsured or underinsured women in the region.
Ride for Missing Children – Greater Capital District
Begins at SUNY Albany Campus
Friday, September 18
The funds raised by this 100-mile bike ride support the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and its nationwide missing children poster distribution. The ride also supports safety education programs provided at the new Capital District NCMEC office in Saratoga Springs. Bikers will ride two-by-two, escorted by the New York State Police and local police departments, as they visit local elementary schools with the message of child safety and abduction prevention. The ride also stops for silent tributes to missing children, recovered children, and fallen officers along the way. For more information, call (518) 461-5881 or contact Stacy Herron.
Nisky Fall Fun Run
Niskayuna Town Hall
Saturday, September 19
This seventh annual event will include a 5k run/walk, one-mile run, and a 50-yard children’s dash. Participation and donations will help support and strengthen the Town of Niskayuna’s community programs, including children’s summer camp and year-round sports and education programs. For more information, contact the town’s community programs coordinator at
(518) 386-4526.
12th Annual Walk & 5k Run for Autism
Central Park, Schenectady
Saturday, September 19
Upwards of 1,000 runners, walkers, and volunteers support the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region each year for this event in Schenectady’s Central Park. The society serves 12 counties and is a regional resource for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who assist them. It provides education, public awareness, recreation opportunities, scholarships, and individual and group support.
RPI Technology Park, North Greenbush
Saturday, September 19
This USATF-certified 5k run has grown into one of The Arc of Rensselaer County’s largest fundraisers of the year. Money raised will help support the Arc’s programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, the Arc is celebrating 65 years of providing an array of programs to improve the quality of life for the individuals and families it serves. For more information on the 5k and 1-mile fun run that follows, email or call (518) 274-3110, ext. 3028.
Central Park, Schenectady
Saturday, September 19
If you like to incorporate Fido into your fitness, this is the event for you! Each year, the Fireplug 500 draws more than 1,200 people and hundreds of canines to raise funds for the Animal Protective Foundation, a full-service humane society in Scotia. Besides housing and providing care to homeless and unwanted animals, the APF also addresses pet overpopulation and animal suffering through education and action. The Fireplug 500 features a walk around the park, a blessing of the animals, ask the vet booth, microchip clinic, pet caricatures, and a bow wow bazaar where you can purchase items for your pooch. Live music will be provided by WVCR 88.3 The Saint. A minimum contribution of $25 per walker is suggested.
Dietz Stadium, Kingston
Sunday, September 20
The Benedictine Health Foundation established the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund in 2004 to provide for individuals who are facing financial challenges while receiving cancer treatment. The 12th annual Bike for Cancer Care brings together more than 450 riders and 125 volunteers for a community event and fundraiser that’s geared toward cyclists of all levels, including children. Participants can choose from a 50-mile, 25-mile, or 12-mile ride, as well as a family-friendly “round robin” inside Dietz Stadium. A bike safety rodeo and fun activities for kids ages 5-10 are also on the schedule. After the rides, participants are invited to stay for lunch, ice cream, live music, and an awards ceremony.
Druthers Brewing Company, Albany (start and finish)
Saturday, September 26
Cycling enthusiasts of all levels are welcome to ride in the Tour de Habitat, which raises funds to help Habitat for Humanity Capital District transform communities by building and rehabilitating homes that bring neglected neighborhoods back to life and offer the dream of homeownership to families that otherwise couldn’t afford it. Four routes based on experience level and interest are offered, including 10, 25, 50, and 100 miles. With the exception of the 10-mile route, all routes tour Albany and Rensselaer counties in honor of the communities where Habitat works. Questions can be directed to Alicia D’Alessandro at (518) 462-2993.
6th Annual Prostate Cancer Walk
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland
Saturday, September 26
Premier Cares Foundation coordinates a beautiful fall walk over the Hudson River to raise funds for support, awareness, education, and treatment for those suffering from prostate cancer, one of the most curable types of cancer if detected early. The walk is a great way to spend a morning with family and friends exercising, enjoying entertainment and prize drawings, and raising funds for charities that offer free screenings and other supportive services. The 1.2-mile Walkway Over the Hudson is 212 feet above the Hudson River and spans the river between Highland and Poughkeepsie. For more information, email Julie Goldfischer or call (845) 453-1160.
Lisa Stratton About the Author
Lisa joined CDPHP in 2005 as director of community relations and corporate events and is responsible for helping the organization remain active within the community through charity events and community sponsorship programs. Before CDPHP, Lisa was the director of media and public relations at Union College and the public relations coordinator at several Capital District school districts. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz.
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