Great Race was a great time

On Friday, June 22, St. Gregory the Great hosted the 12th Annual Great Race and Party. This wonderful community celebration each year marks the unofficial start of summer. We had more than 1,000 runners and walkers and more than 3,000 people of all ages at the postrace party. This community event includes the race, live entertainment by "Switch," food, beverages and many children's activities.

The Great Race takes months of planning, a small army of volunteers and the support of some very important sponsors. Our race sponsors were Univera Health Care, WGRZ-TV Channel 2 and WJYE radio. In addition, we had two major sponsors, 29 shirt sponsors, and more than 30 other local businesses and individuals sponsoring several aspects of the event. The generosity of these people embodies the spirit of St. Gregory's, and we are grateful for their support. We are also grateful to all the participants and partygoers who came out and had a wonderful night.

The Great Race has become a summer tradition that the whole community looks forward to. The postrace party was packed with people, and everyone was treated to a great evening. I saw many people from the community who now make it a point to be at this event every year because it is a well-run, entertaining evening and a chance to meet with friends. It is our privilege to host this event, and we already are looking forward to next year.

Jerry Sheldon

Co-chairman St. Gregory's Great Race