East Islip run/walk attracts 1,000 for autism fundraising
The 10th annual four-mile Jigsaw Run, which began at the East Islip Marina down Bayview Avenue on Sunday, April 24, 2016, raised more than $30,000 for local autism programs, organizers said. Credit: Ed Betz
More than 1,000 people congregated Sunday at the East Islip Marina for a four-mile race supporting children with autism.
The 10th annual Jigsaw Run, hosted by the EJ Autism Foundation, raised more than $30,000 for local autism programs, said race director and founder Bea Huste-Petersen.
“It’s so powerful that people are recognizing the importance of supporting children with autism,” said Huste-Petersen, a mother of two autistic children who lives in East Islip. “Our ultimate purpose is to create awareness.”
Some 1,140 people walked and ran the four-mile course on Bayview Avenue, complete with an Elvis impersonator at the halfway mark and a scenic finish at the South Bay.
Holbrook resident Nicholas Pandolfo, 17, was the men’s overall winner with a time of 21:39. Bayport resident Leonora Petrina, 33, was the women’s overall winner with a time of 23:35.
Many runners and walkers participated in teams, running for family members and friends with autistic children.
Michele Iallonardi, of Hauppauge, walked with her three sons and husband to support the cause. Her husband pushed their 14-year-old autistic son Jackson in a wheelchair.
“EJ has helped my family and tons of school districts around here,” Iallonardi, 42, said. “To know that the money raised today goes back to help individuals with autism is what matters.”
'I had to keep my mouth shut' Ronnie Tanner, a horse jockey in the '60s and '70s, and Kendrick Carmouche, a current jockey, spoke about the racism Black jockeys have faced. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.
'I had to keep my mouth shut' Ronnie Tanner, a horse jockey in the '60s and '70s, and Kendrick Carmouche, a current jockey, spoke about the racism Black jockeys have faced. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.
