(Courtesy of Makor) Makor Disability Services proudly sponsored its second annual 5K run on Sunday, October 28, as part of the NYC Runs series. It was a sunny and brisk morning on Roosevelt Island, an idyllic backdrop for the runners of Team Makor. Over 130 runners of all ages from around the metropolitan area ran to show their support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are cared for in Makor residences and programs.

At 9 a.m. the runners and walkers started from Southpoint Park on Roosevelt Island and began the 3.1-mile run around the island. They were cheered on throughout the run by Makor well-wishers. The runners, many of whom are themselves individuals with disabilities, expressed tremendous satisfaction in being able to achieve a monumental goal of participating in and finishing the race.

Sporting newly designed Makor hats and T-shirts, the unified look of the team made a huge impression on the rest of the runners and spectators.

A new feature for this year was the Makor Mother’s Mile, which was designed to encourage Makor residents’ family members to join the run. Seeing family groups running and walking together highlighted the true meaning of family togetherness and inclusion. Also new to this year’s 5K was the participation of the young men from the Makor College Experience at Yeshiva University.

Thanks to an anonymous donor and friend of the agency who sponsored each runner with $180, we exceeded our financial target. The true goal of this effort was to raise funds to provide support and assistance for our special individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Elliot Brownstein, executive director of Makor, who completed the race, was especially proud of the kiddush Hashem Team Makor made as the only Jewish group participating in the 5K. It was gratifying for him to see the families getting together to make this run a success.

A special thanks to our corporate sponsors: Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, Kosher Palace Supermarket, Tuv Taam, The Jewish Press Newspaper, Linear LA, Noor Staffing Group, Navar Pharmacy, M&K Pest Control, Ari’s Fruitland, Kol Tuv Supermarket, Fox Marketing, Jofay Products and Home Clean Home.

Makor Disability Services, until recently known as Women’s League Community Residences, was founded in 1978; it is a lifespan service organization meeting the residential, therapeutic, social, medical, developmental and spiritual needs of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Makor has been designated a COMPASS Agency, an award for excellence and innovation—one of only four service providers to hold the title in all of New York State.

For more information on how you can get involved in Makor’s mission, contact Carol Sufian at 718-853-0900 or [email protected].