February 20, 2016 | WBNG-TV online article By Nick Aresco | article.pdf

5K benefits people with disabilities

Town of Dickinson, NY (WBNG Binghamton) The 8th Annual Valentine’s “Cupid’s Chase” 5K Charity Run was Saturday at Otsiningo Park.

Each year, Community Options hosts the race. The organization is a national non-profit that provides housing and employment support to people with severe mental and physical disabilities.

“It’s a huge cause because there’s a lot out there that really need the help and community options really needs the extra funding,” Pamela Rick, from the Chenengo Valley School, said.

The run raises money for facilities, support and programmatic social and medical services for Community Options.

The goal for the day was to raise $10,000 which will go toward Community Options.

The support that comes out every year for the run never seems to disappoint.

“To have this community come out and support whether it’s through sponsorship or just today coming out, it’s a wonderful feeling and we actually have individuals here today who will be participating in the event,” Amanda Rick, the Executive Director of the 5K, said.

“It’s really great that people acknowledge that there are people with disabilities and they want to help us and help them,” Aaron Whitney from Kirkwood, said. “It’s just a really good cause and it’s a really good feeling to see the support that we have in our community for this,” Whitney said.

More than 30 cities in nine states participated in the Valentine’s Cupid’s Chase 5K.

Along with the race here in the Southern Tier, New York City and Syracuse were the other race locations in New York State.