One hundred fifty thousand dollars.
That is this year’s fundraising goal for Paige’s Butterfly Run, which would put the overall funds raised during the life of the event at $1 million.
“This is a pretty big deal considering we raised $2,200 the first year,” said Chris Arnold, who organizes the event. “Because our corporate sponsorship is so strong, 100 percent of individual funds raised go to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. It doesn’t get any better than 100 percent.”
Held in memory of Arnold’s daughter, Paige Yeomans Arnold, an 8-year-old Palmer Elementary student who succumbed to cancer in 1994, the 14th annual event returns to the Federal Building Plaza in Syracuse Saturday June 5 in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse.
A popular event for both the Baldwinsville community and central New York residents, Paige’s Butterfly Run offers several components including a 5K run (starts at 9 a.m.), a 3K Fun Run/Walk (starts at 10 a.m.), the Caterpillar Crawl (starts at 9:45 a.m.) and the 5K Centipede Division (starts at 9 a.m.).
Both the 5K and 3K courses have been rerouted this year due to construction on Erie Boulevard. The 5K winds through Inner Harbor and the 3K follows the Creek Walk.
“They are nice courses with a nature-like feel to both of them,” Arnold said.
The 5K Centipede Division, which consists of five-person teams of both male and female contestants, tied together for the duration of the race, returns for its second year.
“Five people tied together running is a challenge,” Arnold said noting the event drew a few teams last year. “[The Centipede] was fun. We only had three teams, but those who participated enjoyed it. I’m sure we’ll have more this year.”
Last, but not least, the Caterpillar Crawl, popular among the 5 years old and younger crowd, sports a 40-foot course free to all participants.
Event coordinators have also encouraged students from school districts throughout central New York to form youth teams for the annual race with student teams hailing from Baldwinsville, East Syracuse-Minoa, Jamesville-Dewitt, Fayetteville-Manlius, Sandy Creek and Liverpool.
Participants who register by May 28 will receive pre-registration pricing ($20); registration after will be $30 a person. There is also an early packet pickup from 4 to 7 p.m. June 3 at Fleet Feet, 5800 Bridge St. in DeWitt. To register yourself or a team for the event, visit paigesbutterflyrun.org or e-mail [email protected].
“Our biggest opportunity for growth is the individual fundraiser obtaining sponsorships,” Arnold said.
Last year, the Paige’s Butterfly Run raised $140,000, $130,000 of which was distributed to Paige’s Cancer Research Fund ($70,000), Paige’s Family Assistance Fund ($27,000), Paige Yeomans Arnold Memorial Endowment Fund ($5,000), Paige’s Family Fun Fund ($13,000) and $5,000 towards the new pediatric cancer outpatient center. The remaining $10,000 was donated to the Baldwinsville Community Scholarship Foundation, capping off funding for two $2,000 scholarships, which are awarded to two graduating Baker High School seniors annually.
PBR Book Fair
On Saturday June 5 and Sunday June 6, Barnes & Nobles customers can purchase books at either the Clay or DeWitt store to donate to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital for use by the patients and their families. There will also be local and beloved authors signing books including Bruce Coville from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Clay store and Laurie Halse Anderson from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday June 6 at the Clay store.
