5K Raises $2K for ALS

Somerset, NJ-Running is a great way to stay in shape. Apparently, it's also a great way to raise thousands of dollars for a good cause. For the annual June Moon 5K race sponsored by Central Jersey Road Runners Club (CJRRC), it posed an opportunity for Ginny Platania of Somerset, NJ, to bring awareness and money to a cause that is close to her heart. On June 20, 2008 the CJRRC raised $2,000 for The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter-which services Northern and Central New Jersey among other counties in the Greater New York region.

The CJRRC website proclaims that they celebrate the fact that on that day they held their "11th Annual June Moon 5K with more runners than last year!"

Race organizer, Ginny Platania, is a librarian by profession but she says she works in a non-library environment, though still with books.

"I work for Baker & Taylor, Inc., a wholesaler of books/audio/video/computer games with lots of library customers," Ginny wrote in a recent email interview. "Which is why they like to have librarians on staff."

Getting out of the stacks for a little running is what Ginny likes to do for fun. And as a member of CJRRC, she gets in plenty of running. Last year, Ginny volunteered to be the race director for CJRRC's June Moon 5K and had a very successful first year. She decided to add a charity for the 2008 race.

But her decision to raise money for ALS is not merely a random act of kindness. It has a special meaning close to her heart:

"My youngest brother was diagnosed with ALS in November 2007, at age 42," she said. "I had been looking and asking around for almost 6 months to choose a charity. When my brother was diagnosed last November, right before Thanksgiving, I knew what my choice was going to be."

Bob, now 43, is married with two children: Janna, 6; and Sam, 3.

Many people came together to help put on the June Moon 5K-so named because the race kicks off at around 7PM. People supported the fundraising event by sponsoring the race with needed materials (water, bananas, goodie bag items), donating prizes for winners (e.g. gift certificates & the like), gifting items for a race day raffle, or by donating money.

The CJRRC advertised the race in Metro Race Forum (www.raceforum.com), listed the race on different web sites (active.com, bestrace.com, etc.), got the event listed on the ALS-NY.org events calendar on the website, put the race day in issues of the club's newsletter, and got a listing on Somerset County Parks Commission events web page.

"We also talked up the race whenever possible and got others to do the same," Ginny said.

As for planning, Ginny received a ton of help and support.

"Lots of people in the club helped ahead of time as well as at the race," Ginny said. "I had volunteers from within and outside the running community. Certain people helped me stay sane through the whole process, including Tom Brand, Fran Libasci, Baxter Brooks, and Mark Zenobia."

She said that she couldn't have organized the race and the fundraiser without the support of the club and the running community, as well as the support of some of her closest friends.

Another person who helped out a lot, she added:

"My husband, Jeff Platania," she made a special not to mention. "I couldn't have done it without him, for sure."

Ginny implores people to get involved and raise awareness as well as money for ALS research into a cure and patient services. You can also advocate for legislation or volunteer for one of many events just like the June Moon 5K. To find out how, visit The ALS Greater New York Chapter website at www.als-ny.org or call them at 1-800-672-8857.

When asked if she'd do another fundraising June Moon 5K she said, "Definitely-I'm looking forward to doing this again next year!"

The Central Jersey Road Runners Club (CJRRC) is a 501 (C)3 organization dedicated to promoting running and racing to people of all ages, educating people about how to run safely and smartly and encouraging camaraderie among all runners.