Friends of Kensico Cemetery will hold their annual fall 5k Run/Walk fundraiser on October 26th, 2025, at The Kensico Cemetery and Arboretum in Valhalla, NY. The event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) and the charitable organization Friends of Kensico Cemetery.
The program will run from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM and features a 3.1-mile Run/Walk and a shorter 1.7-mile walking route throughout the Kensico grounds. Participants will enjoy a fully catered breakfast, medals for top finishers, and the chance to win raffle prizes and gift certificates. All while experiencing the cemetery and arboretum’s vast 460 acres, lined with century-old sycamores, oaks, and maples ablaze with autumn colors. The routes will take participants past the tranquil lakes and alongside remarkable examples of ornate mausoleums, sculptures, and inspiring architecture.
The public is invited to support the organizations as runners, walkers, contributors, or sponsors by visiting www.kensico.org/5k to choose their preferred way of participating. The registration fee for runners/walkers is $50; for children 12 and under, it’s $15. Raffle tickets are only available for purchase with cash at the event.
“As part of its mission, Friends of Kensico Cemetery is committed to supporting organizations that strengthen the Westchester County community,” said Matthew G. Parisi, President of Kensico Cemetery and Friends. “The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester exemplifies the positive impact local organizations can have. We are thrilled to sponsor this year’s 5k to support them.”
Through BGCNW programs, more than 75,000 youth have become water-safe, and over 135,000 nutritious meals and snacks are served annually. For 16 consecutive years, 100% of the Club’s high school seniors have graduated on time and continued on to college, technical school, or military service. The Club’s other initiatives include an innovative Wellness Program that provides mental health service systems, an Early Childhood Education program, and the Marlins Swim Team, which has won the National BGCA Swimming Championship for 25 consecutive years and has held a USA Swimming Bronze Level designation since 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the BGCNW, Alyzza C. Ozer CEO of the organization, added, “It is so important to provide opportunities for all kids to grow up learning about character development, life skills, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Thank you to the Friends of Kensico Cemetery for encouraging the community to get active for this cause!”
Registration is now open. Visit kensico.org/5k for information on registration and sponsorship.
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, established in 1939, is a non-profit organization serving local youth from over 40 communities. The Club offers developmentally appropriate programs in character and leadership, education and career development, health and life skills, arts and social recreation, and sports and fitness. These programs aim to foster academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles, creating a sense of belonging while preparing them to be productive and responsible citizens.
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 has expanded its mission to include philanthropic initiatives that will support other worthy organizations.
Date Posted: August 14, 2025
May 9, 2025
Friends of The Kensico Cemetery Inc. to Conduct Nineteenth Annual Pre-Memorial Day Service
Soldiers from Westchester County who died in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored as part of the nineteenth annual Veterans Remembrance Service on Friday, May 23 at 2:30 PM held at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. The public is invited to attend the tribute to these fallen heroes as well as those military personnel who [...]
