27th Anniversary “5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” Is A Big Success

Riverhead – The North Fork Breast Health Coalition held the “27th Anniversary 5K Walk” on Sunday, September 28, just three days before the start of October, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” The annual fundraiser took place at Tanger Riverhead, which sponsored the event. 5K Walk Chair Bernadette Tuthill said that about 275 walkers participated and over $28,500 was raised for local breast cancer patients.

From 7:30-8:45 AM, registrants enjoyed breakfast that included coffee, tea and juice with muffins, granola bars and fruit.They could also buy raffle tickets for dozens of valuable prizes donated by Tanger Outlet stores. The opening ceremony started at 8:45 AM with greetings from Lesley Anthony, Marketing Director, Tanger, and Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive. The walk—twice around Tanger 1 and 2—began at 9 AM.

“The annual 5K walk at Tanger Riverhead brings together breast cancer patients, survivors and thrivers, community members, elected officials and leaders in the breast cancer community. Tanger has partnered with us on the walk for the past 26 years and secures numerous gift baskets and other high-end items for the raffle,” said NFBHC President Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski.

Sponsorships ranged from $150 to $1,200. This year’s top sponsors or “Pink Sneaker Sponsors” were: Bernadette Tuthill, Esq., partner at Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin and Quartararo, LLP; Connie Hayes – Losing is not an option; Joseph Duva, MD; Kleinfeld Bridal; M&T Bank; natera; Riverhead Central Faculty Association; Wendy’s Deli; and The Simmons Point Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. Riverhead Building Supply was a “Kilometer Sponsor” and Cohen’s Fashion Optical in Riverhead was a “T-Shirt Sponsor.”

For more information about the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the services that the organization provides to breast-cancer patients and survivors who reside in the North Fork area, call 631-208-8889 or visit www.northforkbreasthealth.org.