Friends of Kensico Cemetery Unites Community for a Cause During Fall 5K

Valhalla, NY – November 2024 On a brisk fall morning on Sunday, October 27th, participants from across Westchester County gathered for the Friends of Kensico Cemetery 5K Run/Walk in support of the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery.

Over 150 participants of all ages enjoyed a day filled with movement, prizes, and a hot catered breakfast to satisfy post-race appetites. The route for both walkers and runners took them throughout Kensico Cemetery, a 460-acre cemetery founded in 1889 and recently designated as a Level II Arboretum through avenues of oaks, maples, and ornate, historical cemetery architecture.

Awards were presented to the top three male and female finishers, while attendees eagerly entered a raffle featuring 25 prizes, including gift cards, Yeti coolers, and other items generously donated by individuals and local businesses.

The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester, a non-facility YMCA, operates through school-based and community programs across Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties, making a broad and positive impact on children and families. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matthew Parisi and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery for this wonderful honor and their support in helping us build a stronger and better community. At the Y, we are committed to fostering growth and learning for children and teens of all ages…” said Bonnie M. Fogarty, Executive Director at the YMCA on Sunday’s event.

Friends of Kensico Cemetery, dedicated to preserving the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Kensico Cemetery, works to enhance public understanding and appreciation through a variety of public programs. Recently, they expanded their mission to include philanthropic initiatives supporting and collaborating with other charitable organizations.

Matthew G. Parisi, President of Kensico Cemetery and the Friends of Kensico Cemetery, explained that the YMCA was a natural choice when selecting an organization to support. “Fundraising for the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester was an easy decision for the Friends. The Y offers outstanding programs for young children and teens, and we are proud to support their cause. We look forward to hosting more Friends of Kensico Cemetery events that contribute directly to the improvement of the Westchester County community. We encourage the public to stay tuned for updates involving future Friends of Kensico Cemetery community events.”

The day’s perfect weather, high spirits, and strong turnout made for an unforgettable event in support of community growth. If you were unable to make the event but would like to make a donation you can do so here: https://donate.chronotrack.com/event/80945/charity/1253

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is committed to strengthening the community through values of caring, honesty, respect, and social responsibility. Operating as a non-facility YMCA, it delivers vital programs like universal Pre-K, childcare, youth leadership, and camps across Northern Westchester and Putnam Counties, impacting children and families in schools and community spaces. You can learn more about the YMCA CNW at https://www.ymca.org/
Friends of The Kensico Cemetery Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to preserving the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Kensico and enriching public knowledge and appreciation through educational programs. Recognizing the importance of other Westchester charities, Friends expanded its mission to include philanthropic initiatives that will support other worthy organizations. You can learn more about Kensico Cemetery and the Friends at https://www.kensico.org/friends or follow Kensico Cemetery on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kensicocemetery Instagram: @kensicocemetery.