On Sunday, October, 27, Our Place NY, New York’s premier organization offering at-risk Jewish youth a second chance, is to host its Third Annual 5K Run/Walkathon to raise awareness and funds for at-risk youth in our communities, suffering from drug addiction, abuse, depression, and other life-debilitating circumstances. Whether you are a competitive runner, you are a casual jogger, or you just want to walk with friends, a 5K run/walkathon is a great way to get out with friends and family on a Sunday morning, raise some money for a very special tzedakah and get some much needed post-yom tov exercise.
The 5K run/walkathon, which will take place at Floyd Bennett Field, is a unique event, hosted exclusively by Our Place NY. A pre-race reception begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a men’s race at 11:00 a.m. and a women’s race at 11:30 a.m. A short children’s race will take place in between. Although the race will cover “only” five kilometers, the beautiful three-mile course will include perks normally only found in longer distance races, like Jaguar chip timing, professional race photography, awards for the top three finishers in each group, and finisher medals for everyone who completes the course. In addition, the first 250 registrants will receive a free event T‑shirt.
This year’s run features a number of teams representing various local organizations, schools, and companies, including teams from Rambam Mesivta, NY NCSY, HANC High School, as well as a special team honoring the family of Rabbi Zvi Gluck, director of crisis intervention at Our Place.
Founded in 1998, Our Place NY is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating transformative personal growth in at-risk Jewish teens and young adults, currently struggling with substance abuse, severe crisis, and other unhealthy life circumstances. Our Place runs a wide array of services including teen drop-in centers, 12-step support groups, mentoring programs, a 24-hour crisis hotline, extensive drug rehabilitation and therapy placement networks, and an “alternative” high school, as well as vocational and educational placement services. Our Place creates a non-judgmental and stable environment that provides the basic needs of survival that a healthy family would typically provide, including basic physiological necessities, physical safety, and an unconditional demonstration of love and belonging. Through this far-reaching and “Whole Life Therapy” approach, Our Place provides troubled youth with a second chance: an opportunity to serve as a source of everlasting pride to their family, community and Jewish heritage.
To create your own team or to register as an individual, please visit TeamOurPlace.org to sign up today! For more information on corporate sponsorship opportunities, Our Place’s services, or other questions related to the race, please contact Our Place executive director, Rabbi Aryeh Young at aryeh.young@ourplaceny.org or 516-512-4494. v
