RUN RAISES $34,000 FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The 11th annual Sleepy Hollow 5K Charity Run raised more than $30,000 to benefit a nonprofit school in Seaford for children with developmental disabilities.

On October 30, more than 500 walkers and runners of all ages-some sporting festive Halloween costumes-braved the aftermath of the season's first snowstorm to participate in the 11th annual Sleepy Hollow 5K Charity Run in Massapequa Park. The event benefitted The Hagedorn Little Village School Jack Joel Center for Special Children, a nonprofit school in Seaford for children with developmental disabilities, and it was the most successful of these charity runs to date, raising about $34,000.

The day started with a Kids Fun Run at 9:30am,when costumed kiddos, including students and friends of the Little Village School, lined up for a 100-yard dash. Each participant received a medal upon crossing the finish line "because they're all winners," said Jon Feingold, Ph.D., executive director of the school.

At 10am, 430 timed walkers/runners and 144 untimed walkers shot from the 5K starting line. Because this was a sanctioned race, some were vying for the win, but others were content to take a more leisurely approach. Ultimately, an overall winner was crowned in both the male and female divisions (each taking a $100 grand prize), along with the top three males/females in a 14 and under category. Other participants competed in age groups spanning from 15-20 to 85-plus. Prizes were also awarded for the best costumes of the day.

The Little Village School, which recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary, provides special education and therapeutic services at no cost to children ages birth to 11 who have developmental disabilities, as well as supportive services for their families. About 265 students attend the school, and it serves close to 1,000 families each year through its school-based programs, early intervention programs, on-site evaluations, and other service programs. The money raised from the 5K run will help increase the quality of the school's services, Dr. Feingold said, by funding better equipment, technology, and training.

For more information on The Hagedorn Little Village School Jack Joel Center for Special Children, visit www.littlevillage.org.